The ACT Government has extended the Territory’s ‘low level’ public health social restrictions for four more weeks. Meanwhile, the Canberra Liberals called on the government to provide more assistance to struggling small businesses still heavily impacted by COVID-19.

Chief Minister Andrew Barr said that as COVID-19 spreads in Australia, it was important to implement sensible measures locally to flatten the curve and protect those most at risk of serious illness.

“The extension of these measures is a sensible step to mitigate virus transmission during a period of increased activity,” Mr Barr said. “We’re anticipating much more movement across the community over the coming weeks as Canberrans go back to work and schools reopen.”

Mandatory face masks, density limits, and other public health measures for businesses and indoor venues remain in place until Friday 25 February, unless a review in two weeks indicated they were not required for the level of risk being managed.

Hospitality and licensed businesses (including cafes, bars, nightclubs, and indoor entertainment venues) must ensure patrons are seated while eating and drinking. Dancing at these venues is not permitted.

Last week, local business leaders told Canberra Daily that many hospitality venues and other small businesses were struggling to keep open under ‘harsh’ restrictions; there was a ‘low point’ in consumer confidence. Many businesses had already closed, whether temporarily or permanently.

Opposition leader Elizabeth Lee said the Omicron variant had resulted in businesses experiencing the crippling effects of a shadow lockdown.

“The economic recovery plan released by the Chief Minister last year relied on a ‘V-shape’ recovery, and that has not happened,” said Ms Lee.

Mr Barr announced business support measures would continue – the $10,000 Small Business Hardship Scheme for another month (businesses who have already received the grant can claim again), and fee waivers until June – and an additional funding round of the Amp It Up! grant program.

But Leanne Castley MLA, Shadow Minister for Business, said the Small Business Hardship Scheme did little to support those struggling the most.

“Many of Canberra’s small businesses, in particular those in the hospitality industry that rely on night-time patronage, are doing it tough.”

Some businesses faced with closure, she remarked, had contacted the ACT Government’s business liaison team, but were told the ACT Government did not plan any further assistance.

“Businesses need consumer confidence to survive and understanding from the government,” she said, “but to this point, the ACT Labor-Greens Government has very little understanding of what Canberra businesses need to survive and thrive.”

The NSW Government had unveiled a $1-billion comprehensive Omicron support package, Ms Lee remarked.

“They know how important it is for small business to survive during this tough time,” she said.

“It is clear this ACT Labor-Greens Government has gone missing, leaving behind the many small businesses crying out for help. The Chief Minister must step up and provide the necessary support to ensure more of our small businesses do not close their doors for good.”

Mr Barr replied: “We announced our support package last week ahead of New South Wales, and it’s more generous in many areas … It’s more generous than NSW in the industry sectors that are hurting the most.”

The NSW scheme excluded a large number of businesses whose turnover was not reduced by 40 per cent in January, or that were only eligible for payments as low as $500 as part of the scheme. 

Moreover, Mr Barr said, the ACT’s economy was less impacted than NSW’s. “We’ve had one-quarter the level of COVID-19 that NSW experienced, and significantly less than what’s played out in Sydney.”

The ACT Government will consider further measures based on retail trade and employment figures, quarterly, six-monthly, and annually.

“We don’t rule out there being a need for some further targeted and proportionate business assistance in the future,” he said.

Mr Barr, as ACT Treasurer, will meet his state and territory counterparts this fortnight; they will then meet Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

The Liberals’ position seemed “quite confused,” Mr Barr thought: while the Commonwealth said emergency support measures were no longer necessary, state and territory Liberal politicians argued differently.

Work from home and get your booster vaccination

The ACT Government encouraged people to work from home during February, where it suited them and their employer.

“This will help to mitigate the risk of widespread workplace transmission, while recognising that some employees need to return to the workplace to meet their business needs or for their own wellbeing,” Mr Barr said.

He also urged Canberrans to get their booster vaccination.

In the next week, more than 200,000 Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) will be distributed to teachers, school staff, and school children. Mr Barr expected this would increase the number of tests taken eightfold. This “significantly higher level of surveillance” would identify considerably more asymptomatic COVID cases.

Cases had stabilised in the past 10 days.

“We’ll use the next two weeks to closely monitor the situation, particularly around what a return to school and many of our regular routines means for case numbers,” Mr Barr said.

Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Minister for Health, said people must get tested if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, were household contacts, or were at high or moderate risk of contracting COVID-19.

Testing clinics had experienced significant pressure earlier in the month, Ms Stephen-Smith said, but this pressure had now eased.

“There’s plenty of capacity once again.”

All clinics now had adequate supplies to conduct PCR tests, and the turnaround times for results were now down to between 24 and 48 hours.

“Anyone who is eligible for a booster vaccination should get one as soon as they can, as vaccination remains a key measure in reducing the spread of COVID-19,” Ms Stephen-Smith said.

Appointments at the AIS and airport mass vaccination clinics are available this week. Further information is available on the ACT COVID-19 website at www.covid19.act.gov.au.

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