COVIDSafe Industry Resources
See below information and helpful resources to keep your business compliant with COVID-19 restrictions and government guidelines.
Not a tourism operator? Click here for important traveller information.
Health and safety
Hygiene
Keeping employees and customers safe is of the utmost importance and having the right policies, processes and procedures in place will help everyone practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of the virus spreading.
Staff
It is essential that you train your team on the best hygiene practices to keep both them and your customers safe. These practices include:
- Washing hands regularly for at least 20 seconds and changing gloves (if using) between activities.
- Staying home if feeling unwell.
- Giving cutlery and condiments to customers directly to limit self-servicing.
- Encouraging vaccinations. Read the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s ‘COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Workplace Employer Guide’ here.
See Safe Work Australia’s Good Hygiene Checklist for more information.
Guests and patrons
It’s important to put strict hygiene policies and procedures in place to help keep your customers safe. Measures you can take include:
- Providing hand sanitiser if hand washing facilities are unavailable.
- Performing temperature checks as a preventive measure.
- Having a booking system that allows for the right data collection to help with contact tracing.
For more information, take a look at Safe Work Australia’s information for workplaces.
Cleaning
Taking the time to increase cleaning schedules and regularly disinfect surfaces will help keep your business clean and your customers reassured.
Here are some useful links to help you and your staff keep your business as clean as possible:
- Australian Government Cleaning Advice
- Australia Safe Work Cleaning Checklist
- Australia Safe Work Cleaning FAQs
Physical distancing
Maintaining physical distancing wherever possible will help minimise the spread of infection, which is especially important if you use vehicles or vessels in your business.
Implementing measures such as additional signage, seating arrangements and queue markings will help keep your customers and staff at a safe distance from one another.
For more information, take a look at Safe Australia’s Work Physical Distancing Checklist.
Operating your business
Restrictions
Each state and territory has their own COVID-19 restrictions for various business types, including maximum capacity limits, physical distancing rules and restrictions around shared facilities.
You can read about the latest restrictions on services on the Australian Government website and the COVID-19 Restriction Checker is a great place for up-to-date information. Alternatively, see below for the most up-to-date business restrictions per state/territory:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
Each state and territory has a COVIDsafe app that allows individuals to check in at venues using a QR code. These apps are helping to stop the spread of COVID-19, so it is important to ensure your business is complying with the relevant check in requirements.
Industry guidelines
The Fair Work Ombudsman provides information on the workplace laws, obligations and entitlements for employers and employees affected by COVID-19. Take a look at the latest COVID-19 industry guidelines below:
- Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Business, Finance and Regulatory guides
- Australian Tourism Export Council COVID Ready Program
- Australian Tourism Industry Council COVID-19 Business Recovery Module
- World Travel and Tourism Council Safe Travels Global Protocols
COVIDSafe Plan
Having a COVIDSafe Plan for your business will ensure you’re meeting the right health and safety regulations set by your state or territory’s government. You can use the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission’s planning tool to develop your own COVIDSafe Plan. Complying with COVID-19 regulations will help you keep your team, customers and community safe.
Training
It’s important your staff are properly trained on hygiene best practices and that they understand all the actions they need to take to comply with your COVIDSafe Plan.
It’s a good idea to set aside some time to take everyone through your COVIDSafe Plan and follow up with useful links and information.
If you need help, the Australian Government website offers free online training options for both you and your employees.
Communication
When it comes to your CovidSafe Plan, communication is key. Let your customers know in advance what sort of changes they can expect at your business including any potential delays, changes to capacity and enhanced cleaning procedures.
At your premises, displaying information on the practices you’re putting into place will reassure your customers and make them feel safe when visiting your business. Having signage that shows how your business is helping to stop the spread will reassure guests and patrons, while clearly communicating health and safety requirements will help everyone stay safe.
The Australian Government website has a range of COVID-19 posters and collateral you can download and print out for your workplace. There are also a range of specific communication resources on COVID-19 and vaccinations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and remote communities.
Collecting personal details
Many businesses are now required to collect the personal information of customers and visitors. This is to help local health authorities conduct contact tracing if and when required.
When you’re taking bookings, make sure you record the details of every person on that booking, not just the person who’s booked. Also be sure to follow privacy regulations when collecting personal information.
To learn more, read the Australian Government’s guide to collecting personal information.
Payments
Many businesses now only accept digital transactions, but this excludes those people who rely on cash to pay. If you choose to accept cash, make sure you have good hygiene practices in place.
Health experts have advised that handling banknotes and coins is reasonably low risk when it comes to spreading the virus. Just make sure you and your team wash your hands after taking any form of payment, as well as offer hand sanitiser to customers at the point of payment.
Cancellations
As travel restrictions change, it’s important to keep your cancellation policy up to date and communicate any changes to your customers. This will ensure flexibility for your customers, as well as protection for your business.
To learn about your rights and obligations when it comes to cancellations and refunds, visit the business information page on the ACCC website.
Support and resources
Support for businesses
Find important information, resources, support and advice to help you get your business thriving again.
- https://treasury.gov.au
- https://www.australia.gov.au/business-and-employers/resources-for-business
- https://www.business.gov.au
- https://covid19.homeaffairs.gov.au/industry-and-employers
- https://www.austrade.gov.au/news/news/novel-coronavirus
Support for individuals
Running a business in times of constant change can take its toll. Expert mental health support is available, plus information on how to stay safe and healthy during COVID-19.
