Fortunately, regional areas have not experienced a spike in new cases, so we remain in stage 2 stay safe restrictions, which means for some of our members that operate cafés, restaurants and pubs (with in-dining services) can continue to serve meals to up to 20 customers at a time per enclosed space. Safety precautions such as enforcing physical distancing - one person per four square metres and tables being at least 1.5m apart, collecting contact details (first name and phone number) of every customer and undertaking additional cleaning are a must.
Thankfully our local accommodation providers are still able to take overnight bookings, and weddings can now include 20 attendees and funerals up to 50. Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, spas, massage and tattoo parlours can host up to 20 patrons – the four square metre rule will apply to the publicly accessible parts of the venue, and a distance of 1.5m should be maintained between customers.
Our retail outlets can continue to operate respecting the four square metre rule for customers, and a distance of 1.5m should be maintained between people who do not live in the same household. We encourage our members to continue to do the right thing.
To showcase the responsiveness, creativity and resilience of our local businesses during the pandemic, the “Greater Shepparton - Stronger than ever Together” celebration is being launched. The campaign celebrates how we have worked together to keep our community safe and well. It is about sharing stories of inspiration and further encourages customers to continue to financially and emotionally support our local businesses and services. Importantly we want you to be part of the celebration so will be providing SSM members with resources so you can further get involved, as together we continue to navigate the ever changing landscape created by the COVID pandemic. These resources will be provided shortly.
The Shepparton Show Me Committee is dedicated to supporting our members during the COVID-19 crisis and this project is just a starting point. We will continue to work with industry partners and Council to explore a range of measures aimed to lessen the burden of the consequences of COVID-19.
Together we are stronger than ever.
Warm regards,
Shane Sali