VACCINATION THE ONLY WAY TO END LOCKDOWN CYCLE
Premier Daniel Andrews has announced Victoria’s lockdown will be extended for another seven days.
The Victorian Deputy Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia Nick Johnston said the extension of Victoria’s fifth lockdown reinforced that vaccination is the only pathway out of the pandemic.
“We support measures to protect the community against what is a fast moving and ever evolving virus but lockdowns can’t be a permanent solution,” he said.
“Lockdowns have a devastating impact not just on Victorian business but people’s lives and with every lockdown our economic recovery and Melbourne’s CBD takes another huge hit.
“The reality is COVID will be with us for some time yet and the only way out of this crisis is for those who are eligible to be vaccinated to roll their sleeves up. With the vaccine rollout ramping up, it’s up to all of us to do what we can to future-proof our communities and workplaces against further outbreaks.
“Once we do emerge from this latest lockdown we will need to redouble efforts to reopen our city and enable people to return to their daily lives safely. This includes looking at ways to get people back to the workplace and enjoying all Victoria has to offer.
“We stand ready to work with the Victorian Government, City of Melbourne and business to build momentum as we move into the second half of this year and get as many people back into the CBD and supporting Victorian small business.”
Mr Johnston said the Property Council would continue to work with the Victorian Government to provide rapid advice and ensure that the property and construction industry can continue to operate throughout lockdown.
“We acknowledge the Victorian Government’s important efforts to keep the construction industry open and operating safely during this period with COVID-safe measures in place.
“As Victoria’s largest industry, the property and construction sectors have ensured the health and safety of our workforce throughout the pandemic by having industry-wide COVID-safety guidelines implemented on worksites which has kept workers safe and our industry open.
“We have seen these measures work to prevent spread of infection before. This is a timely reminder of the importance of COVID-safe measures.”
Media contact: Eric Allilomou M: 0448 291 236 E: [email protected]