3 steps to a COVID-safe economy

By Grace Ormsby

May 08 2020
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The Prime Minister has revealed a three-step plan that aims to achieve a COVID-19-safe economy as early as July.

While Scott Morrison has conceded “we’ve still got a long way to go”, he has outlined a plan to kickstart the economy, which, according to Treasury, will see some 850,000 jobs restored in the months ahead.

He announced that the national cabinet has agreed on a three-step plan and a national framework to achieve “a COVID-safe economy and society”.

Mr Morrison said, “It is our goal to move through all of these steps to achieve that COVID-safe economy in July of this year.”

“That will get us back where we need to be – as quickly as we can.”

States and territories will hold responsibility for easing up restrictions in their respective jurisdictions at their own pace.

“States will and must move at their own pace, and will cut and paste out of this plan to suit their local circumstances,” the Prime Minister stated.

But based on the national framework, here’s what Australians can expect at each stage:

Step 1

The first stage “will enable greater connection with friends and family”.

Gatherings of up to 10 people and five guests in an individual’s home will be allowed.

Funerals will be able to accommodate up to 30 attendees outdoors, while 10 people will be allowed at weddings.

Working from home where it suits the employee and the employer. Children will be back in classrooms and allowed in community playgrounds.

Step 2

The second stage of lifted restrictions will allow larger-size gatherings up to 20 people, including for venues such as cinemas and galleries, more retail openings and the return of organised community sport.

Step 3

At this stage, the Prime Minister said gatherings will be allowed for groups of up to 100 people.

While sketchy on the details, Mr Morrison said “this will become clearer as we move through the first two steps”.

“But most workers, by then, will be back in the workplace.”

Interstate travel is also expected to resume at this level, while pubs and clubs – pending some restrictions – will also be opened.

More to come.

About the author

Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

About the author

Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

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