The good news of the fortnight is Australia’s coronavirus restrictions are easing!
While this will be welcome news for some residents and staff, there is no doubt there will be others that are nervous about the continued risk and potential impact on their health.
With the help of our good friends at MinterEllison and with some of our own investigation, we provide below the latest references available for retirement living operators in each state as at today.
Queenslandon 15 May 2020 the Queensland Government issued advice for retirement village visitors on the ‘Homes and Housing’ section of the Queensland Government website that provides some guidelines around visitors, activities and facility use.
South Australia on15 May 2020 updated the COVID-19 Fact Sheet for Retirement village operators and seeks to reinforce the South Australian Roadmap.
New South Wales late last week provided some answers in a Frequently Asked Questions format around visitors, meetings, annual contract checks, privacy, open inspections and health emergencies.
Victoria early this week announced that from 1 June 2020 cafes, restaurants and pubs will be re-opened to serve meals to up to 20 customers at a time (per enclosed space):
- Venues will be required to take the contact details of every customer to assist in rapid contact tracing.
- From 22 June 2020 the limit could increase to 50 patrons and in the second half of July, 100 patrons.
- The timelines are reliant on high testing numbers and medical advice from the Chief Health Officer
However they provide little direction as yet on the Consumer Affairs ‘Housing’’ section around meeting gatherings.
Western Australia commenced ‘Stage 2’ easing of restrictions on 18 May. 20 people are now allowed to gather indoors, including in cafes and restaurants with meal service.
Tasmania ‘Stage 1’ commenced 18 May. The number of visitors to a household is now 5, although gatherings of 10 are permitted at restaurants and cafes. Pools and outdoor exercise equipment may also be re-opened (provided there are less than 10 patrons).