Salamanca Market operations will be temporarily suspended as of this week.
City of Hobart General Manager Nick Heath said the precautionary measure has been taken after careful consideration and consultation with health authorities.
“This is a difficult time for everyone involved – not least of all the stallholders – and we make this decision with a heavy heart,” Mr Heath said. “However, it’s a decision that we have made based on all the information available at this time,” Mr Heath said.
“While markets have not been specifically targeted under public gathering restrictions, we acknowledge that we are unable to properly implement social distancing recommendations at the Salamanca Market.
“In the interest of health and safety of patrons, stallholders and staff, the markets will be suspended for two weeks, while we continue to take advice and monitor the changing environment around the COVID-19 response.”
The initial closure of the market will be reviewed after two weeks and at regular intervals thereafter, should it be determined that an ongoing closure is required.
“We want to assure our stallholders that we are looking at support measures to assist them throughout the closure of the market. This may include facilitation of sales through online means and through a smaller produce market,” Mr Heath said.
“We will communicate with stallholders directly throughout this process.”
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds acknowledged the importance of the market to the city’s economy and identity.
“We’re deeply saddened at the need to take these sorts of measures, but the health of our community is our top priority,” she said. “Salamanca Market is an iconic feature of our city and we want to ensure its longevity well beyond this current crisis.
“We know there will be pain for businesses in the coming weeks and possibly months. This is an unprecedented situation and we don’t yet know how deeply the impacts will be felt.
“This is where, as a community, we need to support each other as best we can. The most effective way to do that right now is to practise good hygiene, social distancing and any other protective measures to reduce the risk of the virus spreading through our city.”
The Youth Arts and Recreation Centre will close from this afternoon until further notice and Mathers House will wind down its services by the end of his week.
The Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre is currently closed, with a review to take place in two weeks.
