Victoria being plunged into another 7-day lockdown highlights that the state’s retail businesses continue to endure a period of immense challenge, according to the National Retail Association.
Earlier this morning the Victorian Government confirmed that the state would again go into full lockdown, but with essential businesses such as supermarkets remaining open.
NRA CEO Dominique Lamb said that Victorian retailers are hopeful that the new round of restrictions will be short and successful, but many remain nervous given there is no assistance measures in place.
“The pandemic has wreaked havoc across the entire country over the last 12 months, but none more so than Melbourne,” Ms Lamb said.
“Foot traffic across the Melbourne CBD has tracked consistently at 40 per cent below pre-pandemic levels and we know that this figure worsens with each lockdown.
“JobKeeper is no longer in place to ensure Melbourne retailers will not shed staff, but even a brief lockdown can devastate a business’s bottom-line. There will be no revenue coming in the door, fresh produce will become spoiled, and permanent staff will still need to be paid.
“Government support will be needed otherwise businesses and jobs across Australia’s second largest city will be in jeopardy. Not only are retailers hurt during the actual lockdown period, but even when restrictions are eased we don’t see economic activity return to normal like flicking a switch.
“We urge both the Federal and Victorian Governments to work together and consider support measures for affected businesses across Melbourne, and all of Victoria.
Ms Lamb also said that consumers should note that essential businesses such as supermarkets, petrol stations and grocery stores will all remain open and to remain patient with retail staff.
“The NRA wants to stress that essential businesses will remain open throughout this lockdown. We urge shoppers to only purchase what they need, remain patient, and to treat staff and fellow customers with respect,” Ms Lamb said.
Circuit breaker lockdown
Following the growth of the hotel quarantine cluster, the Victorian Government has announced that the entire state will enter a stage four lockdown, lasting seven days from 11.59pm tonight until the same time on Thursday, 3 June.
The only reason to leave your home during this period for one of the four reasons: sourcing essential supplies, authorised work or education, care and caregiving, exercise and to get vaccinated.
Exercise and shopping will be limited to 5km from Victorians’ homes. Exercise is allowed for two hours a day with household members, your partner, or one other person who is not from your household.
Masks will need to be worn everywhere except in your own homes and no visitors are allowed in homes other than intimate partners.
Is retail trade restricted during lockdown?
Yes, it is restricted. Non-essential retail will not be permitted to open. Essential providers are classed as:
- a supermarket, grocery store, bakery, butcher, fruit and vegetable store or fishmonger
- an indoor or outdoor market, but only to obtain groceries or fresh food
- a restaurant, café, pub, bar or hotel, whether licensed or unlicensed, but only to the extent that: (a) it provides takeaway meals or drinks or a meal delivery service; or (b) it provides food or drink to the homeless
- a bottle shop
- a financial institution
- consular and diplomatic services; or g. court, tribunal or commission services
- a post office
- a news agent
- a pharmacy
- a petrol station (including a petrol station that sells groceries)
- vehicle and mechanical repair services
- a pet store or veterinary clinic
- urgent services necessary for the health and safety of any person, animal or premises
- essential child protection activities
- a childcare or family day care provider
- a school, but only to the extent that education services are provided to the child of an essential worker or to vulnerable children
- retail stores that provide a ‘click and collect’ service
If you work at an essential provider, you are classified as an essential worker and can attend work.
STATEMENT BY ACTING PREMIER OF VICTORIA