Few would argue that it has been a tough couple of years for businesses - especially as many have been locked down and largely out of action for significant lengths of time due to COVID restrictions.
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There is a light at the end of the tunnel as easing of COVID restrictions is set to begin across NSW.
However, businesses are going to need the support and cooperation of everyone in the community as they navigate ongoing restriction requirements as well as the overall ability to remain viable in line with those restrictions.
No doubt there are many people looking forward to new freedoms which will allow them to shop in-store, go out for lunch or dinner, catch up with friends or loved ones at the pub, or get a hair cut - just to name a few of the much-anticipated new freedoms.
These activities herald new opportunity and hope for many businesses finally able to reopen the doors, but there will also be additional responsibilities.
In addition to delivering their standard goods and services, business owners and their staff will have to monitor the vaccination status of everyone who passes through the door. You see, the first stage of eased restrictions will only benefit the double vaccinated.
While the conditions of freedom have been set out by the NSW State Government, enforcement of the rules will play heavily into the hands of the community and in particular businesses.
Ensuring the vaccination status of people who dine at restaurants, catch up with friends at the pub or book in for a hair cut, for example, will fall to the business operators. Failure to meet the requirements could prove costly.
There will no doubt be some very nervous staff assigned to checking vaccination status of customers. The general rumbling is that many fear being taken to task by people opposed to the rules.
Regardless of whether or not we support the rules or the vaccination requirements, we should not take our frustrations out on those tasked to monitor the situation. They have been through enough already.
The community-at-large can help businesses transition to reopening in a smooth and considerate way. Freely showing proof of vaccination and following any other rules in place will help ease their burden.
Please be a supporter, not a burden to the many people who are 'just doing their job' in the wake of some very tough times.
To help put you in a positive mood I thought I would share (above) a picture of this very cute family of ducks I encountered while out on a morning walk recently. Typically, they didn't want to pose for the photo, but I felt it was a sight all should enjoy.
Stay safe and supportive,
Jackie Meyers,
Editor
