Rob Lucas, South Australian Treasurer announced a $40 million support package for businesses affected by the restrictions of Covid-19. Especially, the tourism and hospitality industry has faced major disturbances and problems due to restrictions. Also, gyms and fitness centers are eligible for the grant. The treasurer announced the initial automatic cash grant of up $11000. According to the source, the payment will begin very soon, probably next week. Meanwhile, the density limit has been reduce in restaurants s and cafes from 75 percent to 95 percent. Though, ahead of New Year’s Eve, there has always been a rise in several people attending events and celebrations. However, for the gyms and fitness centers, limitations were suggested in response to the rising number of Covid cases. For example, one person per 7 square meter distance is applicable for gym and fitness centres.
Second Financial Support package availability
The second cash grant is for businesses that had a 30% reduction in turnover from the last two weeks starting from 27 December. Though, the grants are for hospitality, tourism, fitness centers, and gyms but also had an application process for other businesses which are affected. Businesses with a 50% reduction in turnover will get grants up to $8000. Since the pandemic has started, the government has announced several schemes and this grant is one of them. Lucas said that he expects around 4000 businesses to qualify for the first half of the grant he said,
‘’ the maximum level will be $20,000 or 22,000 in total grants payable to tourism, hospitality, and gym/fitness-related businesses. An extra $2000 if you’re a CBD business given the fact the government’s decision to encourage people to work from home means that clearly foot traffic and office workers within the CBD has significantly been reduced since the introduction of restrictions.’’
Lucas added, ‘’ so at the maximum level, it will be a maximum of $20,000 or $22,000 and at the lower level will be $6000 or $8000 in grants.’’ Lucas also mentioned that if the restrictions continue, there will be another grant of this kind. However, there is no decision regarding the future. He believes the government is trying to save as many lives as we can. And then save their jobs.
For major events around $100,000 will be available for major events that are postpone or cancel between December 27 and January 27.
