Page 1194 - Week 05 - Thursday, 4 June 2020
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maximum of 20 people, including children; and funerals, regardless of whether indoor or outdoor, can have up to 50 people attend, excluding those conducting the service.
Madam Speaker, the fundamental rule here is the rule of 20. In almost every circumstance, other than funerals, there is a 20 person limit on gathering numbers in a space or group. For some businesses and undertakings, the first name and contact number for every patron or attendee must also be requested. The purpose is to help with contact tracing in the event of a case, to reduce the risk of an outbreak occurring. However, patrons and attendees can decline to provide this information and they cannot be refused service or entry on that basis.
Those businesses previously restricted will also be required to have a COVID safety plan. This is an important part of the risk assessment that all employers must conduct under work health and safety legislation.
Should these measures not result in any significant increase in cases or any other signs of concern across the territory, we will move into the next phase of our recovery plan at 11.59 pm on 19 June 2020. Step 2.2 will see maximum occupancy limits in a number of sectors, including hospitality, increase to 50 people per enclosed space. Cinemas and indoor amusement centres will also be able to reopen, and there will be further easing of restrictions for gyms, health centres and community sport.
Stage 3, expected to be implemented from mid-July, would see larger gatherings and further reopening of higher risk businesses and activities.
Madam Speaker, we know that changes to the public health directions will always raise questions about what is and is not allowed, which is why we are working closely with industry and community stakeholders during this transition. I commend the economic development team in the Chief Minister’s directorate, as well as the health protection service, on this engagement.
We have endeavoured to have clear and comprehensive frequently asked questions available on the COVID-19 website and to respond to queries as quickly as possible. I encourage business operators to visit the ACT’s COVID-19 business hub webpage for further information about the changes and new requirements. Businesses can also contact the dedicated Access Canberra business liaison line on 6205 0900. If we can collectively keep up the good work, this will make a difference and help to avoid a second wave or outbreak in the community.
Madam Speaker, some of the most emotionally challenging restrictions for many people during this pandemic have been those relating to visitors to aged-care and health facilities. I am pleased to inform members that as of today visitor restrictions are being carefully relaxed in public and private hospitals across the territory.
From today, Thursday, 4 June, new arrangements will allow patients to have up to two visitors per day. However, only one visitor will be allowed with the patient at any one time, to ensure that physical distancing requirements are met. For children up to and including 17 years, one parent or carer can now be present at all times, with an additional visitor able to join them for up to one hour each day.
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