Fast-tracking Economic Recovery

Pubs, gyms, cinemas, places of worship, beauty salons and other sites will now be permitted to have up to 80 people on their premises from June 1 as long as they comply with appropriate safeguards, Premier Steven Marshall has today announced.

In other welcome changes, contact training and non-contact outdoor sport competitions will be able to commence from next Monday with contact competition launching from June 25.

Premier Marshall thanked all South Australians for their cooperation with the State Liberal Government’s strong plan to mitigate and suppress the spread of COVID-19, which has allowed businesses to safely open and with greater capacity.

“This is great news for South Australians and South Australian businesses,” Premier Marshall said.

“Thanks to our state’s world-leading response to the threat of COVID-19, we are now in a position to give many more South Australian businesses a head start, and with potentially four times the capacity as to what was first flagged in our initial roadmap.

“Thousands of jobs throughout our state will now potentially be reactivated earlier and in greater numbers, fast-tracking our economic road to recovery in a safe and responsible way.

“This pandemic has always been a crisis on two fronts, health and economic, and we are committed to shielding South Australians through both.”

Minister for Health and Wellbeing Stephen Wade said safety requirements would need to be adhered to as part of the Marshall Liberal Government’s in-principle approach for the reopening of businesses.

The accelerated changes include requirements of a 20-person maximum per room, up to a maximum of 80 throughout a facility, if they are able to physically distance appropriately and meet density requirements.

It also allows patrons to consume alcohol without the requirement of a meal as long as they are seated in a room with a maximum of 20 customers.

“The commitment of South Australians to the public health measures which have been proven to slow the spread of COVID-19, along with the Marshall Liberal Government’s strong plan to protect the community from the virus have put us in an enviable position to kick-start the economy,” Minister Wade said.

“This is an important step supporting the wellbeing of South Australians who will now be able to participate in many of the activities they have not been able to enjoy since the pandemic struck. It will also ease anxiety for businesses and employees within the industries impacted.”

“It is important that we continue to follow the health advice as we transition towards our next steps to ensure there are no obstacles on the road to health and economic recovery.”

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