Covid-19: ‘Freedom Long Weekend’ trial for NSW hospitality

The nation’s peak hospitality body is in discussions with the NSW government to trial a ‘Freedom Long Weekend’ at the start of October.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in Sydney on Monday. Picture: Damian Shaw

The nation’s peak hospitality body is in discussions with the NSW government to trial a “Freedom Long Weekend” at the start of October that would allow restaurants and cafes to reopen in a single local government area, based on low case numbers and high vaccination rates.

The submission was made on Monday at the request of the NSW government to help with ongoing deliberations on how to revive the state’s economy; an announcement and further details on the plans are slated to be ­delivered as early as Wednesday, the first day of spring.

Addressing reporters on Monday, Premier Gladys Berejiklian spoke optimistically about the progress of these reopening plans, but some officials told The Australian rising infection numbers were causing hesitancy and “cold feet” from the Premier.

Ms Berejiklian has warned that October, when restrictions are expected to be significantly eased, is likely to pose the most challenging period for the state’s intensive care units. She said on Monday the system was fortified to cope with this strain.

NSW recorded another 1290 cases and four deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm Sunday, taking the national death toll from Covid-19 to 1003. Victoria has recorded 820 of these deaths, followed by NSW with 149, more than a third of which occurred following the outbreak aboard the Ruby Princess last year.

The latest rise in case numbers has also prompted a further ­increase in hospitalisations, with 840 now in hospital, up from 813 on Sunday, and 137 being treated in intensive care, an increase of nine in the past 24 hours.

Restaurant and Catering Australia was one of several industry groups asked by the NSW government to draft reopening proposals for delivery by Monday. ClubsNSW confirmed it had also made a submission, which called for a staggered reopening of its ­venues and an immediate return of outdoor trade.

The R&CA road map would trial the reopening of venues from October 1 with capacity limits of no more than 100 patrons indoors and a 2sqm rule without a cap for patrons outdoors. Masks would be mandatory for staff and consumers, and check-ins mandatory for QR purposes and vaccination status.

The trial would coincide with the Labour Day long weekend

This would be expanded once vaccination reaches 70 per cent in NSW, with functions and events such as weddings to be included, although alcohol would have to be consumed while seated.

R&CA chief Wes Lambert ­declined to comment on the submission, but said: “We are working with other industries on a road map of sensible restrictions and guidelines to reopen at 70 per cent and potentially before.”

The submission also seeks a fast-tracking of outdoor dining permits, a state government waiver of these costs, and additional ­financial assistance grants of up to $10,000 to help small and large businesses with reopening. The submission states that once vaccination levels of 80 per cent are reached, density limits should be removed and venues reopened to non-vaccinated patrons and staff. Mask mandates would also be disposed of and “vertical consumption” of food and beverages should be permitted.

A spokesman for ClubsNSW said it, too, had submitted a proposal on Monday, approved by a professor of epidemiology, which called for the immediate return of outdoor trade. “The data suggests the risk of outdoor Covid-19 transmission is incredibly slim, and therefore it is safe for the industry to reopen outdoors sooner, rather than later. Our top priority is getting our 43,000 club employees across the state back to work, and off government welfare.”