Covid NT: Alice Springs businesses react to mask mandate, 1.5m rules

From gyms to pubs and even the golf club, here’s how businesses 12 hours south of the Covid outbreak are handling the new Covid restrictions.

MORE than 12 hours drive south of the epicentre of the Covid outbreak, residents of Alice Springs are adapting to the territory-wide mask mandate.

From gyms, to sporting groups and social clubs, the news was broken across Facebook yesterday afternoon, as businesses took to social media to remind patrons to wear their masks, practice social distancing and check in to venues.

Hospitality businesses were not too concerned with the new ruling, having been through it all before. “I don’t think it will affect us because it never happened to us before,” one bar owner said.

They said it was lucky they were prepared with masks on hand, as the news came as “a bit of a shock”.

“It was a bit of a panic especially when people didn’t know about it,” they said. “We were rushing around trying to cover everyone up when we found out.

“You expect it to happen but you don’t know when it will happen so you’ve got to be prepared.”

Playgroup Alice Springs also sent out a reminder to parents to ensure they were wearing masks at drop off amid other changes being enforced.

“Adults will need to wear masks, social distance and maintain good hand washing practices,” a post on Facebook read.

“Shared fruit salad won’t be running either. Limited indoor play as well.”

Small changes will also be introduced at the Alice Springs Golf Club, where masks can be removed to tee off, but must be worn inside the golf cart when sharing it with someone outside your household.

For other sports and vigorous exercise masks may also be removed.

Chief Minister Gunner urged everyone across the territory to come together and obey these new restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus.

Territorians have a call to action. There will be a mask mandate for all Territorians to 6pm Monday 20 to embark on must wear a mask whenever you leave the home,” Mr Gunner said. Authorities will also be stepping up daily wastewater checks in Central Australia.

Originally published as Covid NT: Alice Springs businesses react to mask mandate, 1.5m rules