COVID-19 Update | Greater Brisbane Lockdown
Today’s announcement of the Greater Brisbane region going into lockdown for three days will further impact businesses in the crucial pre-Easter holiday period.
The Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) recognises the importance of implementing a circuit breaker to control community transmission of the COVID-19 UK strain, particularly to protect businesses before an important holiday trade season.
CCIQ’s general manager of advocacy and policy, Amanda Rohan said the strict lockdown now, will inevitably create challenges for many businesses who are gearing up ahead of the Easter long weekend, but it could prevent long-term financial implications.
“We understand that today’s announcement will disrupt operations and can create uncertainty for businesses affected, and consumers especially so close to the Easter long weekend,” Ms Rohan said.
“But early action can contain the spread of the virus, giving businesses the best chance to reopen for Easter holidays and minimise longer term financial impacts across the QLD economy’’
“Throughout the pandemic CCIQ has advocated for a suite of stimulus support measures that have helped businesses to date, however many of these, including JobKeeper, have now finished”
“In light of these measures rescinding, it is crucial for the state government to create a stimulus package for businesses who are forced to close in declared hotspot areas, and CCIQ will be advocating for this on behalf of our members”
“Now is the time for targeted support for businesses to cover their losses. This could be similar to the disaster recovery arrangement that exists when environmental disasters hit out state, a diverse range of funding release measures including financial assistance’’
“What will be essential though, is clear communication of expectations and requirements for when lockdowns occur, and hotspots declared so businesses and consumers are aware of the current conditions and know what support they can rely on” said Ms Rohan
CCIQ is committed to working with the government to ensure businesses are supported and informed on the current and changing conditions which will affect them.
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