Lockdown extension crippling for business
As one of eight Local Government Areas of concern, Cumberland is also now subjected to new targeted restrictions on exercise, construction, masks and shopping until August 28, including:
• Exercise, outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits must be done within 5km of the person’s home;
• Individuals cannot travel more than 5km from home for shopping, unless the goods or services are not readily available in that area;
• The ban on construction to continue; and
• Masks must be worn at all times outside the home regardless of proximity to others and the penalty for not doing so, will be increased from $200 to $500.
A furious Cumberland Mayor Steve Christou says families and businesses have struggled through the first five weeks, and now they have been told they will be burdened with another four weeks.
“It’s sad but true that many businesses and families will not recover,” he said.
“I’ve heard from many in the community that they are struggling to pay rent, mortgages and other bills.
“It’s devastating the many businesses that support families will not re-open.
“The construction ban continues on our local government area – obstructing people from making a living. For many, it’s Armageddon.
“The economically crippling lockdown will have impacts for years to come.”
Police will also be joined by 300 Australian Defence Force personnel to deliver food parcels, conduct welfare door-knocks and go through compliance checks of stay-at-home and self-isolation orders, allowing them to check on more individuals who were subject to orders.
Police Commissioner Mick Fuller says the operation will be centred around the welfare of the community and ensuring that stay-at-home orders for specific individuals are observed.
