The Chronicle

Business is returning to normal in Warwick

- BIANCA HROVAT

WARWICK is quickly following the Roadmap to Recovery, as consistent­ly low coronaviru­s infection rates prompted Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk to bring forward Stage 3 of lifted restrictio­ns to this week.

Life will become more normal from noon today, when a range of businesses and community groups are allowed greater freedoms.

For the first time since

March, gambling areas may reopen with a COVID-safe plan, including the pokies at Warwick pubs such as the newly reopened Criterion Hotel.

The food court at Rose City Shoppingwo­rld will allow up to 100 seated patrons once the restrictio­ns lift today.

Marketing manager Louise de Lissa said food outlet staff were looking forward to the change, which coincided with the release of a new food loyalty card offering rewards for repeat customers.

The boost to the permitted number of shoppers bodes well for future sales and Mrs de Lissa reported foot traffic had already increased significan­tly.

“We’ll see stores opening longer and we’ll be able to really create what we used to have,” she said.

Non-therapeuti­c massage will also become available, allowing stores such as Magic Care Massage to offer their full list of services.

Saunas will also be able to reopen, though the sauna at Ironside Industries uses infra-red technology and was therefore exempt from prior restrictio­ns.

Up to 100 people will be able to gather in homes, at weddings and funerals, while the maximum number of people permitted at museums, art galleries, libraries and historic sites will be determined by the one person per four square metre rule.

 ?? Picture: Chris Pavlich ?? PROGRESS: Further COVID-19 restrictio­ns will be eased at noon today, and as a result, the use of pokie machines at pubs and clubs will be able to make a comeback.
Picture: Chris Pavlich PROGRESS: Further COVID-19 restrictio­ns will be eased at noon today, and as a result, the use of pokie machines at pubs and clubs will be able to make a comeback.

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