08 Jan Three Day COVID Lockdown

We have all heard the news – Greater Brisbane is heading into a three day lockdown.  This was announced with very little notice, leaving many employers to have to make important, quick decisions about their staff and operations. The directive for the lockdown may give rise to employers relying on section 524 of the Fair Work Act 2009 to stand staff down, and there may be other options employers can explore, such as agreements to take leave.

A full list of businesses that must close unless an exemption applies are below:

• Retail food services including pubs, restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets except for takeaway services.
• Entertainment facilities, such as theatres, cinemas, music halls and concert halls.
• Hairdressers.
• Amusement centres, such as places to play billiards, pool, pinball machines or video games.
• Indoor recreation facilities such as squash courts, indoor swimming pools and gyms.
• Places of public worship, except for weddings and funerals in line with the person limits.
• Spas, nail salons, hairdressers, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons and tattoo parlours.
• Massage parlours unless provided by a registered health practitioner or qualified massage therapist.
• Auction houses.
• Betting agencies and gaming lounges.
• Markets, except for food and farmers markets.
• Galleries, museums and libraries.
• Community facilities, such as community halls.
• Sex on premises services, sex services premises and strip clubs.
• Public swimming pools.
• Nightclubs.

If you need any help, reach out to the team at HR Law.  We are here to help.