Premier Gladys Berejiklian has revealed a road map for businesses emerging from lockdown. Despite reports of an October 18th date, she has not made a commitment, stating that this will be dependent on hitting the 70% double dose and could be triggered earlier or later.
For Regional NSW, areas that have seen zero cases of community transition in the last fourteen days will emerge from lockdown 12:01am Saturday, 11th of September.
Berejiklian has stressed the importance of vaccine uptake.
“I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated – if you have
not had both doses of the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 per cent milestone, you
will not be able to take advantage of these freedoms,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government has worked with industry to
design this roadmap, which is our biggest incentive to get vaccinated, to reach the 70
per cent target as soon as possible.
Barilaro said: “Our roadmap outlines the freedoms that twice vaccinated people will enjoy once we reach 70 per cent double dose which means a meal with loved ones or a drink with friends is just around the corner.”
Only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to
the freedoms allowed under the Reopening NSW roadmap.
The freedoms for vaccinated adults will come into effect the Monday after NSW reaches 70%.
What does this mean for the beauty services industry? A slower easing of restrictions than we may have hoped, and some questions.
- Personal services including beauty salons will open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
- This operation will be contingent on double dose vaccination status of clients and staff
- Masks will remain mandatory for all indoors venues including business premises
Non-vaccinated young people, aged under 16 will have access to all outdoor settings, but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.
These restrictions present challenges to the beauty therapy industry – younger staff may not have access to double dose vaccines, and apprentices under the age of 16 will not be able to work. Meanwhile, the four square metre and five person restriction will allow for therapist-client interactions, but will slow down a return to business as usual for most.
NSW Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant has emphasized the importance of learning to live with COVID-19 – she believes the community will reach 80% first dose by Monday or Tuesday next week. She says the next four weeks will be critical for the community reopening at the speculated mid-October date and that any reopening will not be “a set and forget.”
Stay tuned.
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