We’re going back to work at level 2
New Zealand could be almost completely back to work next week – only 5 per cent of the workforce won’t be able to operate at level 2, it has been estimated.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern yesterday outlined the rules for alert level 2.
Hospitality businesses will be allowed to open, with a maximum of 100 customers in each venue. Shops will be able to operate their physical premises, with distancing and hygiene rules in place, hairdressers and beauty therapists can take appointments with appropriate PPE gear, and offices can open – if staff do not want to continue working from home.
Ardern said the country was ‘‘halfway down Everest’’ in its battle against Covid-19, but the descent was known to be even more dangerous, and it was important to come out of lockdown in a safe way. Having taken early action would mean benefits when the economy was opened again, she said, and the whole world was going to experience prolonged economic pain.
Marisa Bidois, chief executive of the Restaurant Association, said there would be challenges for restaurants and cafes trying to operate within the new rules.
Spacing requirements between tables would limit the number of people that could be allowed in, even within that 100-person limit, she said.
There would be extra costs.
‘‘It’s certainly not getting back to normal as such in terms of running a restaurant or cafe.’’
But Bidois said hospitality businesses were excited to get back into work and to see their customers again.
‘‘It’s been a very very difficult seven or eight weeks. Our industry was the first to feel the effects of Covid-19 and it’s been a long road — it’s great to see that some domestic travel has been approved, that will help many of our businesses, restaurants and cafes around the regions.’’
The New Zealand Aviation Coalition agreed.
Chairman Justin TigheUmbers said domestic travel would save and regrow jobs and businesses, and kick-start regional economies.
‘‘It’s so important that people can start moving around the country under level 2. They need to be able to visit relatives and loved ones, do business, reconnect with families – there are so many reasons,’’ he said.
‘‘It is also important to remember that every day without leisure travel costs our tourism businesses $50 million.’’
Tourism Industry Aotearoa chief executive Chris Roberts said tourism businesses were desperate to get back to work.
‘‘While Kiwi travellers will not replace the international markets we have lost, they will provide welcome business opportunities,’’ Roberts said.
Infometrics economist Brad Olsen said the question would become how much customers were willing to spend.
‘‘A still uncertain expectation for the economy, alongside lower incomes or lost jobs, will keep many households on a much shorter spending leash.
‘‘I’d expect we may still have 5 per cent of the workforce unable to operate at level 2, and there will still be come significant restrictions on business operations that mean that costs will remain high for businesses while revenue is likely to settle at a lower level than normal.
‘‘The rules around travel appear less restrictive than we might have previously expected, so there may be more activity coming back into hospitality.’’
Act leader David Seymour said there needed to be more information given to businesses.
‘‘Although the Government provided generic advice [yesterday] afternoon, specific guidance for each sector is still being developed by MBIE and WorkSafe.
‘‘The Epidemic Response Committee heard today from private sector organisations that MBIE has not been consulting with them on the rules for alert level 2. That is deeply concerning.’’