Happy New Year and for those of you that had the opportunity to take a break over Christmas and New Year period, Welcome Back.
We think it is fair to say that none of us are sure what 2022 has instore for us this year, but the BGCCI is here to support our local business community.
The start of 2022 has certainly started with a flurry of COVID activity. As of 6pm Monday 17 January mandatory mask wearing for all indoor social settings was applied to businesses and communities here in the South West.
The government acted swiftly on Monday with concerns about the number of people not registering or signing in at venues across Perth and Peel further heightened by the subsequent identification of COVID-19 hotspots across the South West Region. Many businesses had already prepared ahead of the scheduled boarder reopening on the 5 February 2022. Others were caught off guard with the quick application of the mask mandate.
With the reality of COVID-19 and the different variants soon to be here (if not already) complacency is our biggest threat. Our businesses are working to keep their doors open, to ensure they can continue to service their customers and the community. Their ability to operate will be directly impacted by customers and the community following the safety protocols that we know work.
The South West has been relatively sheltered from the impacts of COVID-19 compared to the rest of the country, let alone the rest of the world. While we have benefitted from these luxuries for the past two years it is clear that there are some people that are not taking the risks or mandates seriously.
Business owners cant be the police, they need everyone to do the right thing. Look out for your mate. You might get COVID and survive, but what about your mate, colleague or family member? Please remember that your actions directly affect others in our community.
Many of our local businesses are concerned about the risks their staff and other customers are exposed to when someone doesn’t do the right thing. Please follow the protocols: Register your attendance through the SafeWA app or manually at ALL venues. Physically and socially distance yourself from anyone not in your immediate family. Wash and sanitize your hands regularly. If you are unwell, get tested and stay home and isolate yourself. And get vaccinated to improve your chances at fighting off this virus.
As always, BGCCI are working with our Regional Chamber Network and Government representatives to provide up to date information and resources you need to keep your business operating. Online resources can be found at:
COVID-19 coronavirus: Latest updates (www.wa.gov.au) – https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus/covid-19-coronavirus-latest-updates
COVID-19 updates for business | Small Business Development Corporation – https://www.smallbusiness.wa.gov.au/coronavirus
COVID-19 information for business, industry and local government (health.wa.gov.au) – https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-information-for-business-and-industry
To our BGCCI members, please remember we are here for you. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to.
If you have questions or concerns about managing your business in a COVID environment, please reach out to us 9791 2292. We are here to support you.
.png)