While Premier Daniel Andrews recently acknowledged that he no longer aspires to the coveted “COVID-zero” strategy, he added that the government is prepared to review the reopening plan, announced on September 19, as case numbers change.
“I want to make it very clear to all Victorians, particularly to those working in our health system, as we deliver this roadmap, we will monitor every hour of every day how many people are in hospital and how much pressure is on our health system,” he said.
In metropolitan Melbourne, the lockdown will end and more outdoor activities will be allowed when 70 per cent of the state is fully vaccinated.
The state is expected to reach this milestone on or around October 26.
But restrictions will not ease in favour of the hospitality and retail sectors until on or around November 5, when it is expected that 80 per cent of the state will be fully vaccinated.
Paul Guerra, the chief executive officer at the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government owes Victorians an explanation regarding the rationale behind the roadmap.
“Victorian businesses wanted a pathway to prosperity, but instead we got a roadmap with roadblocks,” he said.
“Victorians deserve answers as to why Victoria’s health advice and roadmap is so different from that of NSW.
“It’s extremely tough to look over the border and see our NSW neighbours getting back to a relatively normal life, while we continue to be locked down in a holding pattern.”
For some 20 months now, Victorian businesses have been faced with uncertainty and disappointment, not knowing when they will be able to reopen.
“The state government must urgently commit to additional financial support for the many businesses that remain in limbo and do more to incentivise vaccination, such as public health orders to mandate vaccination for workers in all consumer-facing sectors,” Guerra said.
“[The roadmap] further intensifies the crisis and many businesses will not make it through.”
Romina Beltrame, the owner of handmade Florentine stationery store Il Papiro, said her business has only managed to survive thanks to financial aid from the government.
“We’ll continue to offer free home deliveries for customers in the CBD and the click and collect service for those living within 10 kilometres of our store,” she explained.
“Our customers are doing eveything they can to support us, but our store is the kind of place that transports to you a little paper shop in Italy.
“You can smell the leather and feel the paper; obviously, there’s the absence of that with a move to online.”
The trader has not only had to deal with the numerous lockdowns in Victoria, but also the losses that come as a consequence of a quieter than usual CBD due to workplace and border closures.
“We won’t have a normal Christmas trade this year; even if we reopen in November, it will still be affected because we won’t have the population in the city,” she said.
“It might change if vaccinated people start returning to offices in the city, but I don’t know how quickly that will happen.
“Although there are residents in the city, it’s not enough to support our niche business.”
Beltrame hopes to bring back Il Papiro’s Christmas window and recreate the atmosphere of the European festive season in Degraves Street.
“We’re hoping to put on a little Christmas market, with stalls on the street,” she said.
“People can come for a passeggiata and get an ice cream.
“We might even have some workshops and activities for children.
“We hope to bring back the Christmas spirit.”
Another Melbourne-based business, Home Make It, has managed to thrive amid the lockdown.
Home Make It has been bringing food and beverage equipment and supplies to Victorians for over 50 years.
When the pandemic hit Australia, the company created an online service that was met with unexpected national success.
Its founder and managing director, Paul Baggio, said a growing interest in making food and beverages at home has been paramount to the business’ success.
“Many of the younger generations have taken up organising passata days and making salami with their extended families; what was all old is new and fashionable again,” he added.
“We’ve been able to communicate in the language of the younger generations through social media, by expanding our capabilities in e-commerce.
“The investments we’ve made into online shopping portals have been the big game changer, enabling us to continue to connect with families across the whole of Australia like never before.
“It’s certainly been a challenging couple of years for businesses to say the least, so the news of any roadmap is welcomed regardless of its shortcomings.
“Our main priority is now preparing our stores to open for our loyal staff and customers, and potentially having a good crack at what is traditionally the busiest time of year, especially with the onset of the passata and wine seasons.”
Baggio said Christmas in Australia is synonymous with relaxing and catching up with loved ones.
“We’ve been locked away for way too long,” he added.
“It’s time for people to show off all the wonderful produce they’ve been making in recent months!”
