After months of restrictions on individual and business activity throughout 2020, Australia is counting down towards a ‘COVID normal’ Christmas.
Last week’s National Cabinet meeting agreed in principle to the roadmap for reopening state and territory borders and economies. Western Australia did not agree to the national framework, specifically the domestic border and international arrival proposals.
Under the plan, which is similar to an earlier roadmap for a ‘COVIDSafe Australia’ released in May, the third and final step of the roadmap to a ‘COVID normal’ Australia would see borders opened for people and freight movements, a return to workplaces, and most forms of work, education and leisure activity restored to normal levels of activity.
Life in Australia will continue to be guided by COVIDSafe practices such as social distancing, health and hygiene practices and recording of patron details for contact tracing purposes. Some density limits will remain for public events and large venues.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has said the Australian Government will establish “an updated Common Operating Picture with strengthened criteria to ensure that health systems are prepared and detailed information is publicly available on COVID-19 conditions”.
The Common Operating Picture sets out thresholds for different ‘traffic lights’ based on case numbers, testing, aged care facilities and capacity of the health system.
For the property industry, COVID normal includes a return to the workplace unless otherwise advised by public health advice. Retail stores will be open, and stores and shopping centres will need to have COVIDSafe plans.
Auctions and open homes can have gatherings in accordance with the two or four square metre rule and recording of contact details.
Step three of the plan envisages quarantine-free international travel with New Zealand and other low risk cohorts. International student and seasonal worker pilot programs will be expanded.
Property Council chief executive Ken Morrison welcomed the in-principle agreement from most states and territories for the reopening plan.
“The plan recognises the importance of getting people back to their workplaces,” Morrison says.
“While the plan doesn’t specifically mention the reactivation of our central business districts, we are pleased to see more governments acknowledging the vital role of CBDs in supporting jobs and business.
“If we’re to get the economy going again, we’re going to need thriving CBDs. Supporting the return to offices will be an important part of the recovery process, and we’ll continue to work closely with governments to build this momentum.”
National Cabinet will meet again on Tuesday 3 November to finalise the framework with the Common Operating Picture for the public health response to be available by 1 December.