The Australian government has introduced a three-step plan to kick-start the economy again and slowly return to a ‘normal’ life.
For each of the major areas of restrictions it has set out three key steps between where we are now and where we want to be.
Step 1 will focus on carefully reopening the economy, and giving Australians opportunities to return to work and social activities, including gatherings of up to 10 people, up to 5 visitors in the family home and some local and regional travel
Step 2 builds on this with gatherings of up to 20, and more businesses reopening, including gyms, beauty services and entertainment venues like galleries and cinemas.
Step 3 will see a transition to Covid safe ways of living and working, with gatherings of up to 100 people permitted. Arrangements under step 3 will be the ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. International travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.
Under the three-step plan, states and territories continue to make decisions to their individual circumstances and local conditions.
Let’s iso-party!
While social distancing restrictions are gradually starting to lift, Aussies still face a long winter of not being able to venture far from their own homes or have large indoor gatherings.
But there’s good news for everyone dreading another minute of cabin fever: PayPal Australia has launched a new national competition and is challenging Aussies to throw the best ‘iso-party’ and go into the running to win one of six $500 prizes every week for four weeks.
The competition―It Pays to Keep Your Distance―kicked off last weekend and will run for the month of May. To enter, all you need to do is gather your family or friends together virtually, throw an awesome party, and share a screenshot of your party in full flare on Instagram.
Make sure to follow and tag @PayPalAU Instagram page and include the hashtag #PayPalisoParty in the post. Each week, PayPal will select the top six party pictures and deposit $500 in the eligible winner party-host’s PayPal account.
But the competition is not restricted to just these themes! If you are celebrating a festive occasion in May such as a birthday party, anniversary, baby shower or other occasion, you are also eligible to enter by posting a picture of your virtual party to Instagram
PayPal’s Shopping Expert, Danielle Grant, says now there is no reason for any Aussie to say they have nothing to do this weekend.
“Over the last couple of months, I’ve really missed hanging out with my extended family and my friends,” he says.
“But I’ve learnt during this time is that keeping your physical distance doesn’t mean you have to be completely isolated. Connecting online is a great way to hang out and look after our mental health during this challenging period.
“While the social distancing restrictions are gradually easing, we still all need to do our bit to help flatten the curve and avoid gathering in large groups. So, if you’re looking for things to do this weekend, look no further, get your friends together online and throw a virtual iso-party. We want to see creativity, flare, and out-of-the box thinking.”
Covid-19 creates added stress for small business
New research from MYOB reveals two thirds (66 per cent) of small businesses feel Covid-19 has impacted their mental wellbeing, with 58 per cent revealing the pandemic has negatively impacted their business.
The research, conducted with more than 1,200 small business owners and operators, has been released by MYOB to coincide with the launch of a new partnership with leading Australian not-for-profit in the preventative mental health space, Smiling Mind.
The new partnership will see four dedicated modules launched in the leading Smiling Mind app to help small business owners take proactive steps to manage their mental health.
MYOB chief employee experience officer, Helen Lea, says the launch of the new content has come at a time when small business owners really need it.
“This new research shows that 67 per cent of respondents have experienced feelings of stress or anxiety trying to work around the new restrictions put in place in relation to Covid-19,” she says.
Sixty-six per cent of respondents take time for their mental health, but 28 per cent say they know they should but they don’t have time. Managing cash flow and financial issues, long hours, work-life balance, feeling isolated, wearing multiple hats and a general feeling of responsibility for the businesses success or failure bring with it stress and anxiety. This new program is designed to help manage those feelings.
“Australian businesses are under immense pressure right now, and the confronting reality is that these COVID-19 related burdens are likely to remain for months, and potentially years, to come,” says Smiling Mind’s co-founder and chair, Jane Martino.
“This partnership with MYOB has enabled us to deliver free, easily implementable tools to help those feeling the strain. We know that when you allow your mind to enter a state of calm, you have the mental clarity to help your business thrive ―we want to deliver a sense of control to business owners at a time where control has been so elusive.”
Easing of restrictions comes with new measures
The National Retail Association (NRA) has welcomed the lifting of several restrictions, but has expressed concern over the new measure allowing only a maximum of 10 patrons to dine at restaurants.
NRA CEO Dominque Lamb says that for many venues the 10-patron maximum rule will prove to not be financially viable.
“We’re glad to see the national cabinet and respective state governments turn their attention to easing lockdown restrictions,” she says.
“However, further consultation was needed regarding restaurants, with a ten-patron maximum unlikely to be of much assistance.
“It’s hard to make money running a restaurant in the good times, being limited to only ten customers at a time is unlikely to see a venue raise enough revenue to cover supply costs, overheads and staff costs.
“We understand the need to prioritise public safety, but any easing of restrictions is pointless unless they are also economically viable. We’d urge the national cabinet and premiers to consult closely with industry on this measure to ensure the right balance is struck.”
