Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt has said significant social distancing and hygiene measures would need to be in place when restaurants, pubs, bars and cafes are eventually allowed to reopen.
Over the weekend, Mr Hunt acknowledged that Australia has managed to achieve a “sustained and genuine flattening of the curve”, adding there was still more work to be done.
For now, the shutdown of non-essential businesses, looks set to continue through winter, with health experts suggesting restrictions would not be eased until September at the earliest.
Australian National University professor of microbiology told the Sydney Morning Herald, “Winter is coming and that is our next big risk time – for all respiratory viruses, including this one. I think for a while longer with large intermingling groups inside, we need to play safe which is better than being very sorry afterwards.”
Mr Hunt told the paper restrictions would be relaxed when the government receives health advice deeming it is safe to lift the current conditions.
State leaders have also clarified their position. Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews flagged the potential to ease some measures. However he added the restrictions on cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs would not be lifted in the near future.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young has said Queensland will need to maintain restrictions for a while despite the state recording zero new cases of COVID-19 overnight on Sunday 21 April.
The National Cabinet, which is made up of Prime Minister Scott Morrison and each of the state and territory leaders, will review coronavirus restrictions in four weeks.
While the industry has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions, many operators are pushing forward by adapting to trading conditions. Venue initiatives include online cooking masterclasses, meal kits, collaborations and hand sanitiser production.
Image: Priscilla Du Preez