On Thursday 14 May 2020, Townsville Enterprise had the opportunity to conduct a Q&A with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Health Dr Steven Miles MP and the Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young to get the questions from our tourism and hospitality members answered as COVID-19 restrictions are eased. Thank you to local State Government MPs Aaron Harper, Scott Stewart and Coralee O'Rourke for assisting in securing this opportunity in Townsville.
- Does the 10pax mean staff and customers and are children included?
A: The limit is 10 patrons at a time, so restaurants can have multiple sittings. They must allow 4 square metres per person. Restaurants and cafes should have a plan to maintain hygiene and physical distancing between customers. The limit includes infants and children.
- Are tour operators able to commence operation this weekend if it is not an overnight tour and they operate with less than 10 people?
A: Tour guides can only commence in Stage 2, Stage 1 is restricted to self-guided tours only. Stage 2 does allow tourism experiences to apply for an exemption to allow more than 20pax provided you have an approved COVID-safe plan and you are abiding by social distancing rules (more details below)
- The restrictions around pools/gyms/restaurants do these apply to in house guests of accommodation properties when leisure travel reopens in Stage 2?
A: Yes
- A number of businesses with large areas (eg: Billabong, Bungalow Bay, Herveys Range Tea Rooms, Texas Long Horns etc) have said that the 1 person per every 4sqr metres would be more viable for them (for example Billabong Sanctuary won’t be viable until stage 3 at least and yet they have 11 hectares of space).
A: In Stage 1 it does, but you can apply for an exemption to exceed 20pax in Stage 2 provided you have an approved COVID Safe plan in place and you are abiding by the social distancing rules.
- Does the 10 people apply to entire venue or can a restaurant have 10 people inside and another 10 people outside, or 10 people per floor of building?
A: Not in Stage 1, but Stage 2 does allow you to apply for exemptions with an approved COVID Safe plan and social distancing rules applied.
- A number of businesses have been using the safe work templates but they need support in actually adapting for their own situation and understanding some of the practicalities.
A: QTIC (Queensland Tourism Industry Council) is working on industry specific guidelines which we hope to have soon.
- Does the 1.5mtr rule apply for guests from the same household (for example a couple who live together that do a sailing trip)?
A: No
- What rules apply for buses and vehicle based tours?
A: Same as tour guide answer (Q2)
- With regards to the extension of the QRIDA loans – do businesses who were unsuccessful last time need to resubmit, there are a few in our region in this situation?
A: QRIDA has confirmed that the additional funding is to enable the Queensland Government to assess and consider more of the existing pool of applications that were lodged prior to the program closing. Due to the quantum of funding requested by existing applications, the additional funding is unlikely to be able to cover all of the existing applications that have already been lodged. There are no plans to open the fund to new applications. Tourism is well represented in the industries receiving loans with cafes and restaurants, accommodation providers, travel agencies and tour operators, and clubs featuring in the top 10 industries to receive loans. Further information on the loans can be found HERE.
- COVID Safe plans, there is a bit of confusion as to exactly what is expected here and if businesses need to submit these. Noting some businesses plan to open this weekend so eager to understand the process.
A: You don’t need to submit your COVID Safe plan unless you are applying for the exemptions in Stage 2. We recommend you publish and display your COVID Safe plan on your website and premise to show that you have taken the adequate steps to keep customers and staff safe.
- What is the process to apply for the exemptions in Stage 2 for greater than 20 people?
A: This will be managed through the Public Health Unit – we have been assured that they are working through the process and that it will be a streamlined one. Industry guidelines will be put out to assist businesses to quickly develop and implement these plans.
