Masks at desks rule irks business

Melbourne’s post-COVID economic recovery will be stunted by limits on workers returning to the office, industry experts warn.

Victoria’s peak business body says office staff should be allowed to sit at their desks without masks as desperate traders urge workers to return to Melbourne’s CBD.

From Monday, 25 per cent of staff in city offices will be able to return.

But business leaders and traders fear only a small fraction will return to offices.

Big companies, including the Commonwealth and ANZ banks are still finalising return-to-work plans, while state bureaucrats will stay at home.

Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VECCI) chief executive Paul Guerra said that while the existing coronavirus rules for offices were workable, requiring staff to wear face masks for long periods while seated would be a challenge.

“We’d prefer to see masks off when you’re sitting down, the same as it is for hospitality,” Mr Guerra said.

“You already have to have social distancing. So we say, let people breathe normally while they’re sitting at their desks, and when they stand up the mask goes back on.”

Regarding struggling retailers, cafes and restaurants, Mr Guerra said: “The best shot at survival they’ve got is for that foot traffic to return.”

Cheyenne Morgan-Paliothodoros and Isabella McSwain at Arbory Afloat. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Business Council chief executive Jennifer Westacott said the city had been a wasteland and as many workers as possible should return as soon as possible

“This is a good start and welcome relief for thousands of small businesses in the city. Empty CBDs are economic dead zones,’’ Ms Westacott said.

“Businesses across the country have already put in place COVID-safe plans to keep people safe and let workers get on with their lives.

“If it can be done in Sydney, there is no reason it can’t be done in Melbourne.

“A plan that gives everyone the flexibility to get back to the office is critical. People want the chance to work with each other safely again.”

The state opposition on Sunday backed VECCI’s mask relaxation push, and said the 25 per cent worker return limit was too low.

“Employers know their workplaces best,” opposition health spokeswoman Georgie Crozier said. “There should be room for flexibility in COVID-safe plans for offices with good ventilation and where it’s possible to social distance.”

Federal public servants in Victoria will begin returning to their offices today but not all departments will immediately reach 25 per cent capacity.

There are about 25,000 federal workers statewide, such as those in the Tax Office and in Defence.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said city workers were a critical part of the economy, and urged them to return “as swiftly and safely as possible”.

People walk along a busy Bourke Street Mall.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp is happy to see crowds return safely to the CBD. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

It is believed that almost a quarter of the council’s workers will be back on-site, and it has also been working with major employers on back-to-work plans.

“Our city’s economic recovery is just beginning and we all need to work together to create as many jobs for Melburnians as possible,” Ms Capp said. Strict rules including social distancing, wearing face masks indoors and density limits will apply at workplaces.

“While it has been many days since we have reported a new case of coronavirus, we still need to be aware that the risk of the virus hasn’t gone,’’ a Department of Health and Human Services spokesman said. “Face masks are one of the most important ways we can help slow the spread of coronavirus and will play an important role as we progressively return to work on-site.”

Clement Chaobonneau at La Petite Creperie. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Monique Chiari at Hoot Cards and Gifts. Picture: Tim Carrafa

Deakin epidemiologist Catherine Bennett said some people might find it “weird” ­returning to the workplace with new rules, including wearing masks, but she urged them to remember it was a step in the right direction.

“This (mask wearing) is now really about reducing the risk of transmission should the virus reappear,” Prof Bennett said.

“The rules are always difficult but the rules are allowing us to take these next steps.”

A Commonwealth Bank spokesman said it was “still working through what the 25 per cent capacity limits for our building will look like”, while ANZ city staff would not begin to return to the office until the New Year.

Arbory Afloat marketing ­director Georgie Larkins said the riverfront venue was looking forward to the city getting busy. “We’re confident that most people are looking forward to coming back into the city for work and will make that transition soon,’’ she said.

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