A snapshot of restrictions relevant to retailers. The ARA will keep this post continuously updated. 

Current as of 02 November 2021, 11:30am AEST. 

Quick links to the latest restrictions affecting retail, hair and beauty sectors:

• New South Wales 
• Victoria 
• Queensland 
• Western Australia 
• Northern Territory
• Australian Capital Territory
• South Australia 
• Tasmania  

Access reopening roadmaps:

• Victoria reopening roadmap
  
  
  
• New South Wales reopening roadmap
  
  

• Australian Capital Territory reopening roadmap
  

Encourage safe and respectful shopping with the ARA's new Covid-19 poster range

The Australian Retailers Association has developed a series of printable posters in response to the ongoing Covid-19 situation across the country, to promote a safe shopping environment for both customers and staff. Click here for more information.

Federal Updates

JobSaver changes 

Eligibility for JobSaver payments has also been extended for businesses in the hospitality, tourism and recreation sectors with an annual turnover up to $1 billion, increased from $250 million. More information.

No Fault COVID-19 Indemnity Scheme

The ARA welcomes the Morrison Government finalising the details of the no fault COVID-19 Vaccine Claim Scheme – a measure we have strongly advocated for.  

The COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Scheme will be backdated to February 2021 and provide Australians with an alternative, administrative option to seek compensation, rather than a complex and costly court process.

The Scheme will provide Australians with quick access to compensation for COVID-19 claims related to the administration of a Therapeutic Goods Administration approved COVID-19 vaccine delivered through a Commonwealth Government approved program.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said the COVID-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme offers protection to Australians receiving a TGA approved COVID-19 vaccine, irrespective of where that vaccination occurs.

“Side effects, or adverse events, from COVID-19 vaccinations can occur, but most are mild and last no longer than a couple of days. Serious and life-threatening side effects are very rare, but it is important that we provide a safety net to support those affected,” Minister Hunt said.

“It also ensure that health professionals administering vaccines will be able to continue with their crucial role in the vaccine roll out with assurance that the claims scheme will offer them protection.”

The Scheme will be administered by Services Australia and will provide Australians with a single front door to a simple and quick administrative process for compensation. The TGA will provide guidance on recognised adverse reactions as part of their established surveillance program.

From 6 September Australians who suffer injury and loss of income due to their COVID-19 vaccine will be able to register their intent to claim at www.health.gov.au/COVID-19-vaccination-claim-scheme.

The Scheme will cover the costs of injuries above $5,000 due to a proven adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccination. Claims will be assessed by independent experts, and compensation paid based on the recommendations.

The cost of compensation payments under this Scheme will be fully funded by the Commonwealth and is designed to help the small number of people who unfortunately experience a moderate to significant adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine.

The introduction of the scheme follows extensive consultation with the peak medical, healthcare, business and insurance sectors to ensure a comprehensive National Scheme.

Authorised by Greg Hunt MP, Liberal Party of Australia, Somerville, Victoria.

Australians who receive a COVID-19 vaccination and have an adverse event are encouraged to report it to their doctor who can provide the information to the TGA to ensure such events are included in its reporting.

New South Wales

COVID-19 restrictions to ease further in NSW from Monday 8 November

The NSW Government has today announced changes to its reopening roadmap with an additional easing of restrictions from Monday 8 November.

Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers will all premises to move to the 1 person per 2 sqm rule.

Covid safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will still be required. Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by the pre-roadmap restrictions until the state reaches the 95% double vaccination target, or 15 December – whichever happens first.

Additional changes from Monday 8 November include no limits on visitors to homes and no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1,000 people. Caps will be removed for settings other than gyms and dance classes and replaced by density limits or 100% fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).

NSW Health has also commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and over who have received their second dose of a Covid vaccine six months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the Covid vaccine received for the first or second dose.

From Friday 22 October, The Public Health Order has been updated to introduce changes to isolation requirements

Close contacts must now:

• Fully vaccinated: Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 7 days after last exposure. Get tested again on day 6. If you get a negative day 6 result and have no symptoms, you can stop self-isolating the next day. For the following 7 days you must limit your movement (e.g. work from home and not attend hospitality venues or high-risk settings even if it is your place of work). Get tested on day 12. You do not need to self-isolate while waiting for the day 12 test result.

• Unvaccinated/Partially vaccinated: Get tested immediately and self-isolate for 14 days after last exposure. Get tested again on day 12. If you get a negative day 12 result and have no symptoms, you can stop self-isolating after day 14.

What to do if a worker tests positive for COVID-19:

New guidance is available to support your business if you have a worker test positive for COVID-19. If you have a worker test positive, you need to:

1. Tell the worker who has tested positive for COVID-19 to return home directly and follow the advice from NSW Health.
   
   
2. Ensure the safety of the workplace and workers, for example by cleaning and disinfecting all areas used by the person who tested positive for COVID-19. See further information on cleaning the workplace.
   
   
3. Call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50 to give details and if requested, in writing within 48 hours. SafeWork NSW will share this information with NSW Health to assist the contact tracing and management of COVID-19.
   
   
4. Businesses should assess how much contact other workers had with the person who tested positive for COVID-19, while that person was infectious in the workplace. Use the Contact Classification Tool (this tool will be available soon), the contact risk assessment matrix for community and workplace settings and any industry-specific guidance to help with this assessment. If you need assistance with this process, call SafeWork NSW on 13 10 50.
5. Inform NSW Health if any close contacts are identified.
   
   
6. Advise any worker identified as a close or casual contact to immediately leave the workplace, be tested, return directly home and follow NSW Health advice. They should not wait for official communication from NSW Health. NSW Health will contact people who are confirmed as close contacts, generally by phone call or SMS text message.
   
   
7. Advise workers and contractors of the situation in your workplace. Consult with workers about the identification and management of any remaining health and safety risks.

Reducing risk of transmission in your workplace

To help reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission in your workplace:

• ensure you have an updated COVID Safety Plan
• have prominent signs and posters stating requirements
• use Service NSW QR codes to check in staff, patrons and customers
• check proof of vaccination status upon entry and only accept valid forms of evidence of vaccination (or medical exemption).

For reopening support and guidance information, visit nsw.gov.au.

NSW Government announces $2.8 billion NSW Economic Recovery Strategy

Families, individuals and businesses across NSW will benefit from a targeted $2.8 billion package designed to accelerate the state's recovery.

The package includes funding to help families and stimulate tourism and events in cities and regions, with a strong focus on rebuilding and supporting businesses and boosting jobs.

Also announced yesterday is an expansion of the Dine & Discover NSW and Stay & Rediscover voucher schemes to support businesses across NSW.

For more information on the tourism support package, visit nsw.gov.au.

Please contact covid.communications if you need specific content or for further information.

From Monday 18 October 2021 restrictions have eased further after NSW hit the 80% (aged 16 and over) double-dose vaccination target

New rules are in place for fully vaccinated people in NSW. 

You are fully vaccinated if you have had 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccination or you have a medical exemption. 

Children under 16 years of age who are not fully vaccinated can generally follow the rules for fully vaccinated people so long as they visit certain businesses with a fully vaccinated member of your household.  

For people over the age of 16 who are not fully vaccinated, more rules and restrictions apply.  
 
You are not fully vaccinated if you have had: 

• only one dose of a COVID-19 vaccination or
• no doses of a COVID-19 vaccination.

Masks

All people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask: 

• in indoor areas (e.g. while shopping, when at a library) 
• in indoor areas of common property of apartment buildings 
• at a public transport waiting area  
• while on public transport 
• if you are working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with members of the public 
• on an aircraft when the aircraft is flying above NSW and in the airport.

Exemptions are available. Learn more about face mask rules.

COVID-19 safe check in

Occupiers of premises are required to continue to take reasonable steps to ensure people can check-in or provide their contact details to when they enter your premises. 

If you are entering a premises where check-in is required, you must:

• check in with the Service NSW app
• provide your details to the occupier of the premises.

Learn more about COVID-19 Safe Check-in.

Vaccination evidence

Vaccination evidence includes:

• an online immunisation history statement
• a COVID-19 digital certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register
• presenting your COVID-19 digital certificate via the Service NSW app
• a medical exemption, which includes either:
  • a medical contraindication certificate or
  • a medical clearance form.

A person who is required to be fully vaccinated to enter premises must:

• Carry their vaccination evidence
• Produce the evidence if requested to do so by a police officer or authorised officer.

If you are required to be fully vaccinated to enter a premises, you may be asked to produce your vaccination evidence by the occupier. We encourage you to comply with an occupier’s request.

You do not have to produce your vaccination evidence to the occupier, however, the occupier may refuse entry to you if you do not produce your vaccination evidence.

People who provide an emergency service are able to enter premises if they are not fully vaccinated and are at the premises to provide an emergency service.

Retail, products and services

Retail premises and businesses that provide goods or services can open and resume in store services to customers.

If you are fully vaccinated you can visit a retail premises or business that provides goods and services. You must:

• carry vaccination evidence with you and produce it for inspection to a police officer or authorised officer if requested;
• check in with the Service NSW app or provide your contact details to the occupier
•  follow the face mask rules.

Hairdressers, beauty salons and massage premises

Hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlours and massage parlours can open. 

If you are fully vaccinated you can visit a hairdresser, beauty salon or massage premises. You must:

• carry vaccination evidence with you and produce it for inspection to a police officer or authorised officer if requested
• check in with the Service NSW app or provide your contact details to the occupier
• follow the face mask rules.

Restaurants and hospitality

Hospitality premises, such as casinos, restaurants, cafes, function centres, food courts, take away food and drink premises, kiosks, micro-breweries or small distilleries, cellar doors, pubs, registered clubs, small bars and nightclubs can re-open to customers to consume food and beverages on premises. 

If you are fully vaccinated you can visit a hospitality venue. You must:

• carry vaccination evidence with you and produce it for inspection to a police officer or authorised officer if requested
• check in with the Service NSW app or provide your contact details to the occupier
• follow the face mask rules.

People who are fully vaccinated can now stand while consuming alcohol.  

For nightclubs that are reopening, people must remain seated to consume alcohol in indoor areas. No dancing is permitted in an indoor area. 

Details of rules for fully vaccinated people in NSW can be found here.

The NSW Government has officially released the Health and Education (Number-505) public health order

This Order is the Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order 2021 commences at the beginning of 11 October 2021. Read full report here

The NSW Government confirmed further details on the three-stage roadmap to reopen the state at 70% and 80% vaccination rates, with the final stage from December 1.

As you continue to prepare for reopening, please find the comprehensive list of settings planned for each phase in a summary graphic that can be downloaded and shared here. 

To support and guide businesses in becoming COVID Safe and operational at 70% double vaccination, the NSW government have collated resources including:

• Proof of vaccination requirements
• Guidance on vaccination compliance and obligations for businesses
• Details on what to do if your business becomes an exposure site
• Information on vaccination of your staff and customers.

The summary of public health measures for businesses are:

• If a staff member tests positive, whether they are vaccinated or unvaccinated, they must self-isolate for 14 days and follow the advice from NSW Health. Businesses will refer to their COVID-19 Safety Plan and risk assessment approach for further instructions on notifying other staff.
• Businesses must inform NSW Health if three or more employees test positive for COVID-19 in a seven-day period.
• NSW Health guidelines will enable businesses to assess workplace risk if a COVID-19 case is identified and confirm actions to be taken.
• Businesses can reduce the risk of closure or staff going into isolation by implementing rigorous COVID-19 Safety Plans. Other proactive steps businesses can take include ensuring staff are vaccinated and implementing regular onsite testing programs for workers.

Regarding vaccination compliance and obligations:

• Businesses are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent unvaccinated people entering your premises. For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination, or medical exemption.
• Authorised officers will monitor businesses re-opening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (e.g. hair, beauty).
• Penalties may apply for individuals and businesses who don’t comply. On the spot fines of $1,000 may apply to individuals for not complying, or for using fraudulent evidence of vaccination or check-in. On the spot fines of $5,000 may apply to businesses for not complying with the Public Health Order vaccination requirements. Further penalties may apply for significant breaches.

Further information on the roadmap, including advice for businesses as we reopen at 80%, and fully reopen 1 December 2021, will be updated on nsw.gov.au.

COVID-19 travel registration has been extended

The COVID-19 travel registration has been extended. Travel permits that were due to expire on 30 September will automatically be extended to 31 October 2021.

Contact risk assessment for community and workplace settings

NSW Health has published their operational guidance for contact risk assessment for community and workplace settings, and includes but is not limited to, offices, hospitality venues, retail premises, TAFE/universities, supermarkets, warehouses and construction sites. It should be used as guidance to assess and manage situations where an infectious case has attended a community or workplace setting.

NSW Health has announced changes in requirements for vaccination of authorised workers and the use of rapid antigen testing in the workplace

Following strong ARA advocacy, NSW Health has announced changes in requirements for vaccination of authorised workers and the use of rapid antigen testing in the workplace.

In order to work outside their area of concern, authorised workers must now have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday 6 September.

Authorised workers under the age of 16 years will be exempt from the requirement to be vaccinated.

A relevant care worker 16 years and over whose place of residence or place of work is in an area of concern must also have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Monday 6 September in order to attend work. This includes those who work in an early education and care facility or who provide disability support services.

Rapid antigen testing will no longer be an alternative to vaccination.

NSW Health has made a commitment to provide advice to industry on the important role rapid antigen testing can play to protect workers and prevent disease transmission, and give guidance on the types of workplaces that may benefit from such testing and inform COVID-19 Workplace Checklists and safety work plans.

These are all amendments to the Public Health (COVID-19 Additional Restrictions for Delta Outbreak) Order (No 2) Amendment Order 2021.

Vaccination is highly encouraged and workers from the LGAs of concern are offered priority bookings for vaccination. In line with the amended public health order, if an authorised worker is not vaccinated or does not have a medical contraindication form, they will not be able to work outside their LGA.

Please refer to the media release below and this link for more information.

NSW HEALTH MEDIA RELEASE

Victoria

With Victoria set to hit the 90 per cent double dose milestone for eligible people in the coming days, the Acting Chief Health Officer has determined that almost all remaining restrictions in Victoria will ease from tonight – reaching Phase D of the National Plan.

From this coming weekend, there will be no caps or density limits for cafés and restaurants for fully vaccinated Victorians.

Non-essential retail settings across Victoria will join the vaccinated economy and will only be open to Victorians who are fully vaccinated, under 12 years and two months, or have a valid exemption.

Mask Requirements

Masks will still be required for workers serving the public at hospitality venues, for workers and customers at indoor retail and for people using public transport, taxi/rideshare and planes.

Unless Victorian health services see a significant jump in hospitalizations, customers for retail will no longer need to wear masks after 15 December - in line with NSW settings. However, high-risk work settings such as corrections and meat, poultry and seafood processing will continue to require masks.

There will still be mask requirements, density limits and caps in place for weddings, funerals, places of worship and other settings if the vaccination status of attendees is not being checked. The usual exceptions will apply.

Self Quarantine Obligations and handling a COVID positive case

Thanks to Victoria’s vaccination rate, self-quarantine obligations can be reduced across the board for COVID-19 cases and fully-vaccinated contacts. Victorians who test positive will be further empowered to take action and protect others, with simple advice and guidance to help them inform their ‘social contacts’ on what to do.

From 11:59pm 18 November, the vast majority of people who come into contact with a confirmed positive case outside their home won’t have to self-quarantine.

These contacts will be required to get a standard (PCR) test and isolate until they get a negative result.

This means exposure in places like offices, restaurants or nightclubs won’t automatically result in quarantine for the patrons or staff, who previously would have been designated Primary Close Contacts at Tier 1 exposure sites. However, the Department of Health will continue to manage emerging outbreaks of concern and ‘superspreader events’ and can impose a quarantine period on contacts on a case-by-case basis, depending on evidence.

Cases are required to notify their workplace, school or childcare about their positive result. Once informed by the case, workplaces will also have to identify and notify employees and sub-contractors – but not customers – who were exposed to advise them to get tested.

The changes effectively mean the end of mandatory deep cleaning, and the Departmental ‘clearance’ process. They will self-manage their exposure in line with public health guidance. However, COVIDSafe practices are strongly encouraged and a COVIDSafe plan is still required.

Exposure sites will no longer be published. Instead, the Department will use the new alert function in the Service Victoria app to notify patrons of higher-risk venues where positive cases have been present – such as restaurants, gyms and nightclubs – and advise them to get tested.

Individuals who test positive are strongly recommended to tell the social contacts they have spent time with and encourage them to get tested. The Department will not trace or manage these contacts. With a simple call-to-action, the advice can move faster when the individual is empowered to do it among the people they know.

Workers exposed at work will need to show a negative PCR test result to return to work or school – with recommended RAT testing thereafter.

In addition to isolation changes for contacts, people who have COVID-19 will be required to isolate for 10 days, instead of 14 days.

These considerable changes are recommended by Victoria’s public health experts based on Burnet Institute modelling, behavioural insights and international experience – and are guided by the goal of an open, vaccinated society where both public health risks and social disruptions are minimised in a balanced way.

When the settings are in effect, a new online portal offering clear and simple ‘checklist’ advice for cases, contacts, workplaces and schools will be published at www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/checklist

COVIDSafe settings will also be published at https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covidsafe-settings

Extended Support for Victorian Businesses

A jointly-funded support package from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments will provide a four-week boost to small and medium-sized Victorian businesses most impacted by the current public health lockdown.

The joint package of up to $2.34 billion will be offered to around175,000 Victorian businesses as the state bands together to restrict the spread of infection while the drive to vaccinate 70 per cent, then 80 per cent, of the population accelerates.

The statewide lockdown has been confirmed until 70 per cent of Victorians have had at least one dose of vaccine – estimated to be around 23 September. The four-week business support payments confirmed today cover a four-week period ending on 30 September.

The vast majority of payments will be deposited automatically into businesses’ bank accounts, while a new tiered payments system for the Business Costs Assistance Program will allow for higher payments to businesses with more workers.

Business Costs Assistance Program payments will be automatically made at rates of $2,800, $5,600 and $8,400 a week over September, depending on payroll size.

Eligible cafes, restaurants and bars will continue to receive Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund payments of between $5,000 and $20,000 per week.

A major boost to the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will increase the grant amount to $20,000 for around 35,000 businesses, and the deadline for applications will be extended.

Alpine Support Package

An Alpine Support Package will help sustain resorts through the remainder of the season and September school holidays with an automatic top-up payment of between $10,000 and $40,000, depending on business location and whether they employ staff.

Together, the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments have allocated $4.3 billion to ensure Victorian businesses can remain viable throughout lockdown, with automatic top-up payments and grants to help cover wages and overheads.

Details about Victorian business support payments is available at business.vic.gov.au.

Business Costs Assistance Program Round 4

Funding of up to $1.6 billion will support about 132,000 businesses across multiple sectors who were recipients of the Business Costs Assistance Program Round Two or July Extension.

Businesses throughout Victoria will receive automatic payments of $2,800 a week (annual payroll below $650,000), $5,600 a week (payroll of 650,000 to $3 million) or $8,400 (payroll of $3 million to $10 million) to cover ongoing costs such as wages, rent, utilities and insurance.

Businesses will remain eligible while they are unable to operate due to public health restrictions.

Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021

Licensed hospitality businesses that have previously received grants under the Licensed Hospitality Venue Fund 2021 or July Extension programs will receive automatic payments of $5,000, $10,000 and $20,000.

Payment amounts are tiered according to premises capacity: $5,000 for a capacity of up to 99 patrons or where patron capacity is not specified, $10,000 for a capacity of 100 to 499 patrons, and $20,000 for a capacity of 500 or more.

Up to $289 million funding will support more than 9,300 premises impacted by lockdown.

Hospitality businesses will remain eligible while they are unable to operate due to public health restrictions

Small Business COVID Hardship Fund

The Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will receive a $448 million boost, increasing the total grant amount available to small and medium-sized businesses from $14,000 to $20,000 in recognition of the impact of the lockdown extension.

The Fund now stands at $700 million, providing support for up to 35,000 businesses. Some 16,000 businesses that have already received a Small Business COVID Hardship Fund grant will receive an automatic top-up payment of $6,000.

This program supports businesses that have been ineligible for Victorian Government business support programs since May but have experienced a reduction in revenue of at least 70 per cent. This includes businesses that are legally allowed to operate but are restricted in their ability to generate revenue.

Applications for the Small Business COVID Hardship Fund will close on 10 September.

Alpine Support Package – September Top-Up

Alpine businesses will share in $11.2 million in support through another automatic top-up payment of between $10,000 and $40,000.

These payments will assist alpine businesses through the remainder of the ski season, with a top-up payment available for approximately 430 businesses based on and off the mountain.

For off-mountain businesses, the payment will be $10,000, for on-mountain business with no employees, $20,000, and for on-mountain businesses with employees, $40,000.

COVID-19 Disaster Payments

Eligible workers across the state who lose hours of work due to the lockdown will be able to access the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment, as will individuals who are sole-trader business owners who lose work and that do not qualify for Victorian Government support programs.

The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is administered through Services Australia, with the Federal Government funding the areas declared a Commonwealth hotspot and the Victorian Government assuming responsibility to fund payments in locked-down areas that are not deemed to be official hotspots.

The payment is set at $450 for people who have lost from eight to 20 hours work or a full day of work (over seven days), and $750 for 20 hours or more of work lost. People who receive certain Commonwealth income support are eligible to receive a $200 payment where they have lost eight hours or more of work due to the lockdowns.

Victorian micro-businesses and sole trader business owners who wish to apply for the Commonwealth COVID-19 Disaster Payment can access the Business Victoria Concierge Service on 13 22 15 and schedule an appointment that will provide them with assistance to make an application.

Residents of the cross-border community local government areas will now be required to obtain a permit to cross between Victoria and NSW from 6pm, Friday 13 August. 

The reasons Cross Border Community Area residents can cross the Victorian-NSW border still include: 

• Necessary goods and services, including medical care 
• Care or other compassionate reasons 
• Work (whether paid or voluntary, including for charitable or religious purposes) 
• Education (including childcare or early childhood services)  
• Receiving a COVID-19 vaccination 
• Organised/community sport and exercise connected to or organised by a club or facility. 

Residents will be able to apply for a permit from Thursday afternoon at the Service Victoria website, service.vic.gov.au and via the Service Victoria app. 

The Victorian Government will continue to provide additional information at: https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

Premier's media release | Overview of restriction changes 

Border Restrictions:

The full Victorian Government press release is available here. 

More information: Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Victoria's restriction levels (dhhs.vic.gov.au) 

VIC GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES ADDITIONAL COVID-19 BUSINESS SUPPORT PAYMENTS

Queensland

Today (18 October) Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has released Queensland’s COVID Vaccination Plan to unite families, protect Queenslanders and chart a course through the next stages of the pandemic

• Anyone who has been in a declared domestic hotspot in the previous 14 days can travel into Queensland provided:
  • They are fully vaccinated
  • Arrive by air
  • Have a negative COVID test in the previous 72 hours o Undertake home quarantine for 14 days

Read Premier's Media Statement here

Check In Qld app

Download the free Check In Qld app for your business to collect customer and staff information.

From 1am, Friday 9 July 2021, more businesses must use the Check In Qld app to collect customer and staff information. See a full list of businesses who must use the app.

It is also now mandatory for food businesses, including food courts, to collect details of takeaway customers using the app.

Your business may need to follow restrictions to help stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). These businesses are called 'restricted businesses'.

Find a list of restricted businesses (schedule 1 of the businesses, activities and undertakings direction).

All restricted businesses can open but must follow a COVID Safe checklist.

Learn more about current business restrictions.

This page includes information for businesses on:

• current restrictions
• collecting customer information
• customer limits
• definitions
• COVID Safe business planning.

More information: Restrictions in Queensland | Health and wellbeing | Queensland Government (www.qld.gov.au)

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Western Australia

Lockdown restrictions have been lifted, with some measures remaining in place

There are no longer any capacity restrictions for venues and events.  

Businesses must continue to maintain a COVID Safety Plan and maintain a contact register. 

The SafeWA app must be displayed in all retail settings, such as hospitality (including takeaway), supermarkets, department stores, and beauty, hair and personal care services. 

Full overview of easing of restrictions can be found here.

More information: Covid-19 Coronavirus latest updates 

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Northern Territory

New restrictions announced for Greater Darwin and Katherine in place until Sunday

The Northern Territory government has announced new Covid-19 restrictions after the territory’s first case of community transmission.

From today, a lockout applies to greater Darwin which means that unvaccinated or partially vaccinated people are under stay at home orders. With the exception of essential workers, there are only five reasons for this cohort to leave home:

• To seek medical treatment, including getting a COVID test or getting vaccinated
• To buy groceries, medicine and other essential goods and services
• For work that is considered essential and cannot be done at home
• For one hour of exercise per day, with one other person or household member, and no further than 5 kilometres from your home
• To provide care to a family member or person who cannot support themselves

Fully vaccinated people in greater Darwin can go about their normal business but must wear a mask

• In retail and office settings
• In bars, cafes and restaurants
• In all other settings, indoors and outdoors, when social distancing is not possible

In addition, Katherine (including Tindal) is under a hard lockdown. With the exception of essential workers, there are only five reasons to leave home, as listed above. When outside the home, masks must be worn at all times.

Unvaccinated people in greater Darwin and Katherine may access essential services only including supermarkets, hospitals or to get takeaway food.

These settings will be in place for 72 hours from 12:01am on Friday 5^th of November (today).

NT Business Support

Following the declaration of Greater Darwin and Katherine as hotspots, additional financial support will be available to businesses and organisations reliant on interstate and international visitors.

A $9 million Visitation Reliant Support Program will be available for tourism and hospitality businesses reliant on international and interstate visitation.

Under the co-funded scheme, employing businesses will receive a $3,000 payment, while sole traders will receive a $1,000 payment. Eligible businesses must have an annual turnover of less than $10 million, and will need to demonstrate a 30 per cent decrease in turnover as a result of the lockdown – particularly relating to visitation.

A $1.3 million Tourism Survival Fund will be available for touring, professional conference organisers, exhibition build companies and eligible attractions, providing highly targeted support to those operators most impacted by the lack of international visitors and who have not benefitted from tourism vouchers.

Under the co-funded scheme, businesses will be able to access payments between $5,000 and $30,000 depending on their annual turnover which must be less than $10 million. Eligible businesses must be able to demonstrate a 30 per cent decrease in turnover, compared to the same period in 2019, as a result of the lockdown.

These funding packages follow the re-opening of the NT Government’s Territory Small Business Lockdown Payment, which has been extended for a second week to businesses with venues which must remain closed until restrictions lift.

Together the total package of support is more than $12.5 million and will be split on a 50/50 basis.

For more information, and to apply for the new package, please visit: https://businessrecovery.nt.gov.au/

NT Small Business Support

The NT Government will reintroduce the $1000 Territory Small Business Lockdown Payment to assist businesses impacted by recent COVID-19 restrictions.

The payment is a one-off payment of $1000, designed to support small businesses that have either ceased trading or suffered a revenue loss of 50% or greater during the lockdown. Eligible small businesses must have a turnover of less than $10 million and less than 20 full-time equivalent staff.

For more information and application details will be made available at the Business Recovery NT website.

The NT Government is working through additional business support with the Commonwealth, with further information to be announced later this week.

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Australian Capital Territory

ACT lockdown ended at 11:59pm Thursday 14 October 2021

• Social gatherings, leaving home and visitors
  • No more than five people permitted to visit another household at any one time (this limit does not apply to children under 12 years of age);
  • Outdoor gatherings can take place with no more than 25 people

• Business, retail and workplace
  • Employers continue to allow staff to work from home if practical, with gradual return to work permitted in accordance with the Public Health Direction
  • Licensed venues permitted to have 25 people across the venue, or one person per four square metres, whichever is lesser (exc staff). If businesses wish to have more than 25 people, they can have up to 50 people in outdoor spaces only, or one person per four square metres, whichever is lesser (exc staff)
  • Majority of businesses permitted to have up to 25 people across the venue, or one person per four square metres, whichever is lesser (exc staff); Hairdressing and other personal care services can open with five clients at any one time
  • Essential retail can continue to operate, with density of one person per four square metres
  • Hardware and building supplies, agricultural and rural supplies, pet stores, businesses that sell essential office supplies continue to operate through click and collect services or click and deliver services only.  
    • These essential retail businesses can also permit up to two people from the same household (this limit does not apply to children under 12 years of age) into a store at any one time, by booked appointments.
  • Non-essential retail (and some essential retail outlets) can continue to operate a click and collect or click and deliver service, with no more than 10 staff permitted to be in the business at any one time, or one person per four square metres whichever is lesser
    • These essential retail businesses can also permit up to two people from the same household (this limit does not apply to children under 12 years of age) into a store at any one time, by booked appointments.
    • Payments for goods can be made at the time of collection and not restricted to online payments only.
      
• Fitness, Sport and Outdoor physical recreation and campgrounds
  • Outdoor Sporting activities (training) can resume with up to 25 people in each outdoor space (exc staff or volunteers)
  • Swimming pools are permitted to operate with no more than 25 swimmers across the venue. Only 2 swimmers per lane allowed, with formal swimming lessons and training permitted.
  • Change rooms to remain closed.
    
• Residential aged care
  • Up to two people will be permitted to visit a resident of a residential aged care facility for any reason. Visitors will be required to be vaccinated
    
• Weddings and funerals
  • 50 people permitted to attend a funeral and up to 25 people can attend a wedding (exc staff)

Masks will continue to be required at all times upon leaving home, including in workplaces, if you are aged 12 years and over.

Please refer to the frequently asked questions for further information about the current lockdown restrictions.

Commercial Tenancy Relief

Following ARA advocacy around rental relief in all states and territories, the ACT Government is reinstating measures which require commercial landlords to engage in good faith negotiations with local business tenants hardest hit by COVID-19 during the current ACT lockdown.

The new temporary commercial leases declaration will prevent commercial landlords from taking prescribed actions against tenants impacted by COVID-19 such as terminating their lease without first discussing lease arrangements. The declaration will apply from 12 August 2021 when the ACT was placed into lockdown.

Commercial landlords who offer rent relief may be eligible for a commercial rates credit of up to $5,000. A credit is also available for owner-operators who meet the eligibility criteria. 

The COVID-19 Local Business Commissioner has been re-instated to connect businesses with information about the declaration, financial assistance and mental health support. The ACT Government will also fund professional mediation services to facilitate good faith negotiations between landlords and tenants.

In addition to these initiatives, the ACT Government will waive rent payments for the month of September for any business and community sector tenants of government-owned properties that have been affected by the COVID-19 lockdown. Tenants who have experienced a 30 per cent reduction in turnover in August will be eligible for a full waiver of their September rent payments.

Increased support for ACT businesses impacted by COVID-19 

The Commonwealth and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments have worked together to expand the COVID-19 Business Support Grants with the extension of the ACT lockdown to 17 September.  

Reflecting the extension of the lockdown, the one-off ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grants will be increased by $10,000 for employing businesses and $3,500 for non-employing businesses where those businesses' turnover has declined by 30 per cent or more as a result of the COVID-19 health restrictions.  

Businesses must be able to demonstrate their primary operation in the ACT, have an annual turnover of more than $75,000, be registered for GST and have a total payroll of less than $10 million. They will also need to provide evidence of a 30 per cent reduction in their turnover.  

The package will be split on a 50/50 basis between the Commonwealth and the ACT Governments, with the Territory government to administer the program. This is a similar arrangement that has been in place for businesses in other jurisdictions impacted by COVID-19 lockdowns.  

This increases the payments that were originally agreed under the COVID-19 Business Support Grants.  

Anyone who has made an application does not need to make a new application – the new payments will be automatically applied if you are eligible. First payments are likely to be made in the coming days.  

Businesses can find further information and apply for the grants here. This information is being updated through the day to account for the increased grant payment size. 

Financial Support for ACT Businesses

The ACT Government will provide support for small businesses in the ACT facing a significant loss in revenue due to the current lockdown in the ACT. 

The ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grants will deliver support of up to $10,000 for employing businesses and up to $4,000 for non-employing businesses over the three-week lockdown period where those businesses' turnover has declined by 30 per cent or more as a result of the COVID-19 public health measures. This program is jointly funded by the ACT and Australian Governments. 

COVID-19 Small Business Hardship Scheme 

Eligible small businesses will soon be able to apply to the ACT Government to receive credits for payroll tax, utility charges, rates and other selected fees and charges up to a maximum of $10,000 per operator.

To be eligible for credits the applicant must be able to demonstrate 30 per cent loss in revenue. This scheme is for small businesses with a turnover between $30,000 and $10 million per annum. 

Businesses must satisfy the below criteria: 

• Have a valid and active ABN and be registered for GST on or before April 2021, and be able to demonstrate primary operation in the ACT as at 1 April 2021; 
• Have an annual turnover of more than $75,000 (exc. GST) in either of 2019-20 or 2020-21; 
• Only for employing businesses applying for a $10,000 grant: 
• Employ people in the ACT; and 
• Total annual Australian wages of less than $10 million in 2019-20. 

Small businesses can apply for up to $10,000 of support in the form of credit. 

• Payroll tax 
• Utilities 
• Rates 
• A range of business licence fees and charges. 

Applications are open via an online form. Applications will close at 5pm, 7 October 2021. 

More information is available at: 

• Guidelines for Employing Businesses
• Guidelines for Non-Employing Businesses 

If you need assistance or have a question, please call the Access Canberra Business Liaison Line on 6205 0900, 9am-5pm, Monday to Friday. 

For more information and to apply, please visit: https://www.act.gov.au/business/business-support/covid-19-economic-support-for-business

ACT Small and Medium Business Support

A jointly funded package from the Commonwealth and the ACT Governments will give support to small and medium businesses in the ACT who have been impacted by the lockdown measures.

The ACT COVID-19 Business Support Grant will provide $3,000 for employing businesses and $1,000 for non-employing businesses where turnover has declined by 30% or more in the week defined as Friday 13 August - Friday 20 August 2021 (compared to the prior 7-day period) as a result of the COVID-19 health restrictions.  

The ACT Government will also open a COVID-19 Small Business Hardship Scheme, where eligible ACT businesses can apply for credits on the cost of eligible fees and charges of up to $10,000 (inclusive of GST) per ABN. This scheme will provide credits for payroll tax, utilities, rates and certain business licences for small to medium businesses that can demonstrate a 30 per cent revenue loss in revenue.

Details of these schemes are being finalised. Businesses can express interest in the schemes via the Business Hub website.

The ACT Government has clarified the operation of click and collect for ACT non-essential retail

Unfortunately, the ACT Government's current position is that click and collect is not permitted for non-essential retail, as outlined in their advice below. However, the ARA will continue to advocate for this to change.

ACT Government advice

Click and Collect for non-essential retail is not permitted under the Public Health Direction currently in force in the ACT. This is because the aim of the lockdown is to restrict the movement of people as much as possible to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As more is known about the outbreak in the ACT, it may be possible to revisit the settings relating to Click and Collect for non-essential retail.

The ACT Government is finalising the support it will provide to businesses impacted by the COVID restrictions and further information will be available tomorrow morning.

More information: Home - COVID-19 (act.gov.au) 

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South Australia

South Australia is currently under Level 1 restrictions with some additional restrictions 

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Tasmania

Southern Tasmanian lockdown to end at 6pm Monday 18 October

Premier, Peter Gutwein, says with testing numbers remaining high and no further cases recorded, the lockdown in southern Tasmania will end as planned from 6pm tonight.

This is very positive news and I want to thank all Tasmanians in the south for their efforts to minimise their movements and help us mange the risk of COVID in our community. As we have seen with Delta outbreaks in other states, you can never go too hard or early, you can only go too late, which is why we took the steps we did and can now say we are on top of this.

We do recognise the need to have additional safeguards in our community at this time which is why masks will be required to be worn until 6pm Friday, with the situation to be reviewed on Friday morning.

Compulsory recording of contact details 

Under the Contact Tracing Direction, every person 16 years of age or older attending a range of businesses, organisations and events for at least 15 minutes (including staff) is required to provide their information for contact tracing using the free Check in TAS app. 

Operators of the relevant locations are required to register with Check in TAS and prominently display the Check in TAS QR code at all entrances to the premises. 

If anyone does not have or cannot use a smartphone or the Check in TAS app, they may be checked in by another person in their group, or by the operator or staff at the premises. If no suitable device is available, their details may be recorded with pen and paper. Businesses are permitted to refuse entry to a person who does not provide the required information. 

More information, including when and how staff may manually record contact information, is available at www.checkin.tas.gov.au

More information: Current restrictions | Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

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