Gift of certainty for Queensland businesses ahead of Christmas economy re-opening
Queensland businesses have been afforded some of the certainty they have been desperate for ahead of the economy re-opening in time for Christmas.
Businesses are now able to plan ahead of the state border re-opening in December knowing density limit rules will not apply in some instances if they allow only fully vaccinated staff and patrons to attend their premises.
It comes after Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ) increased calls for more clarity on business conditions after September quarter Pulse survey results showed weak confidence heading into Christmas period.
CCIQ Policy and Advocacy General Manager Amanda Rohan said today’s announcement was the kind of certainty businesses had been desperate to hear for months.
“Queensland businesses had four things on their Christmas trading wish list: Guidelines relating to any restrictions on business in relation to the vaccination status of staff and patrons, if the Queensland Government contact tracing app will integrate to include vaccination status, what will happen if a business is exposed to COVID and clear advice on Rapid Antigen Testing for businesses,” Ms Rohan said.
“Today two of those commitments were made which puts businesses in better stead to plan and invest ahead of the December border re-opening but to also plan their long-term recovery.
“We understand pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, stadiums, cinemas, theatres and music festival businesses will not have density limit restrictions but also the contact tracing app will be integrated with vaccination status so those businesses can easily check if someone has checked in and if they are fully vaccinated.
"It’s important however business owners providing a COVID safe environment for staff and customers can not be liable for patrons not complying with contact tracing or vaccination rules.
“We are still seeking confirmation on protocols and guidelines if a business premises is exposed to a positive case with further details to come as well as Rapid Antigen Testing as a first line of defense for businesses.”
Ms Rohan said with just five weeks before state borders re-opened, the additional detail meant businesses had a clearer line of sight as to what to expect under new COVID business as usual conditions post December 17.
“While it means businesses can now get back to work preparing for the re-opening, there are still some things outstanding they need more information and clarity on,” Ms Rohan said.
“Importantly, they still need to know what will happen if their business premises is exposed to a positive COVID case which of course will be a real risk and also how they are able to protect their staff and customers with Rapid Antigen Testing.”
CCIQ media contact
Emma Clarke
Media and Communications Advisor
[email protected] | 0403 944 902