The measures put in place by various state and territory governments presently are designed to limit social contact and to keep businesses and the economy as functional as possible during this time. Self storage is well placed in this regard given the ability to operate with minimal person-to-person contact. Looking at further stage measures other countries have taken; it is likely that logistics and supply chain businesses will remain operational.
SSAA believe there is a sound argument for self storage to be considered an essential service as part of the logistics and supply chain management industry, but this will likely be determined by the express wording of any further restrictions announced. The SSAA are hopeful that we can rely on the fact that self-storage is a service offering, does not have to operate a retail shopfront and can operate with limited social contact (or for some operators, none at all).
Other than the government-issued employer and health advice, we recommend to members they:
- Prepare a plan to operate their facility remotely, including making any necessary security and/or technology arrangements
- Prepare a plan to communicate with customers remotely (i.e. if the manager cannot be onsite, do they have remote access to customer lists, email program, software etc)
- Prepare a plan for resumption of business, thinking about offering payment plans and/or rental relief, arrears management, customer communications and reputation management.
Government websites are your most credible source of information. The SSAA strongly encourages its members to refer to the following websites for the latest up to date information. This information is being updated constantly. Read MORE
The Australian Government has announced the following businesses will be restricted from opening from noon AEDT 23 March 2020:
- Pubs, registered and licenced clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
Religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies
Please note that pursuant to their legislative powers, each state can however pass legislation and gazette a response to their particular State or Territory.
We have provided below the links to the government updates for each State/Territory.
ACT
Currently following Federal Government guidelines in relation to businesses for the latest ACT specific information, please refer to the following websites for the latest information for ACT: www.health.act.gov.au
NSW
Organisations and employers who are responsible for a workplace or venue should start to take actions now to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.
This includes any venue, such as a school, university, office building or any workplace.
- Encourage flexible working arrangements including working from home and off-peak travel and consider whether staff workstations can be more widely spaced.
- Ensure adequate hand washing facilities and soap are available.
- Provide and promote hand sanitisers at building entrances.
- Ensure high standards of routine environmental cleaning. Standard cleaning products are fine.
- Clean and disinfect high touch surfaces regularly, including desks and keyboards.
- Avoid large indoor meetings and lunchrooms and use outdoor venues, if possible.
- Plan for increased levels of staff absences.
- Plan for what to do if staff arrive sick at work.
Please refer to the following websites for the latest information for NSW:
www.nsw.gov.au
The latest NSW Government gazette details Essential gatherings for a range of locations which does include: –
- A gathering at an office building, factory or mining or construction site that is necessary for the normal operation of the building, factory or site.
NT
The Minister for Health has declared a public health emergency for the whole of the Territory under the Public and Environmental Health Act 2011 in response to coronavirus (COVID-19). This will be in force until further notice.
At this time there are a range of activities may continue as they are considered essential and this includes: –
- Mining sites/camps, office buildings, factories and construction sites – for normal operations.
QLD
https://www.health.qld.gov.au/
For the purposes of this Public Health Direction a mass gathering does not include a gathering:
- At a workplace, including but not limited to an office building, factory, manufacturing facility, resource extraction, mine or mineral processing facility, utilities or construction sites that is necessary for the normal operation of those premises;
SA
Currently following Federal Government guidelines in relation to businesses for the latest SA specific information, please refer to the following websites:
Office workplaces: while these can remain open, working from home should be encouraged as much as possible. Staggered attendance changed seating arrangements, more frequent environmental cleans and strict social distancing and hand hygiene requirements should be implemented in the workplace. This both lowers the number of people in the workplace at any one time, while also lowering the number of people using public transport during peak hour.
TAS
Currently following Federal Government guidelines in relation to businesses for the latest TAS specific information, please refer to the following websites:
http://www.premier.tas.gov.au/
VIC
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
The businesses that will close effective 12.00pn today due to the Stage 1 shutdown include pubs, clubs, nightclubs, Crown Casino, and licensed venues in hotels and pubs. It also includes gyms, indoor sporting venues, places of worship, cinemas and entertainment venues. Restaurants and cafes will only be allowed to provide home delivery or takeaway services.
The premier has called on every Victorian to undertake their civic duty and practice social distancing: don’t be closer than 1.5 metres from another person, wash your hands and practice good hand hygiene.
If your business is not on this list, then you may continue to trade by social distancing of 1 person per 4 square meters should be adhered.
Businesses can stay open if social distancing measures can be put in place.
A mass gathering does not include a gathering:
- At an office building, factory, mining site or construction site that is necessary for the normal operation of those premises; or
WA
Currently following Federal Government guidelines in relation to businesses for the latest WA specific information, please refer to the following websites: