Susanna Freymark
Tomorrow you can sit in a cafe and have a cappuccino with your friends. Or go to the pub for a cold one. As long as you have your green tick.
Social distancing, wearing of masks and QR code check-ins still apply. We’re used to these restrictions. But now you must show your vaccination certificate to dine in at cafes and pubs.
Many businesses posted on Facebook about opening up and having customers again.
Some business such as the Walker St Cafe in Casino and Powick’s Pantry in Bonalbo have decided to stick to takeaway until December 1 when everyone can enter their premises.
“In order to be impartial to all our patrons we have decided to stay takeaway only until December 1st when we can once again throw the doors open for everyone, Powick’s Pantry owners said.
The onus of checking customers vaccination certificates falls to business owners and many businesses reminded customers to be kind and patient to staff having to do this job.
Peter’s Food Hall in Kyogle was deep cleaned earlier this month and all staff received negative test results for covid.
Espresso Edge cafe in Kyogle said they were saddened by the transition to December 1 as it meant “numerous of our valued customers will only be able to order takeaway due to the Public Health Order.”
Please be prepared to show proof of vaccination unless you are ordering your coffees and meals to takeaway, cafe staff said.
The Farmer’s Plate in Kyogle has made the decision to remain as a takeaway only service.
“We believe the new regulations will create divide among our community and will not partake in enforcing them.
The Commercial Hotel in Kyogle reopens tomorrow from 11am to close.
“We respect personal choice. Please, we are not the government and we don’t intend to argue with them – we’re a small locally owned and operated business – if you wish to take it up with the government do so but not us.”
Evans Head Bowling Club will be open and will be following public health orders.
Woodburn’s Rod ‘n’ Reel Hotel Motel will open and require vaccination proof like other businesses
Kyogle Community Gym requires members to be double vaxed to use the gym. Please send proof of vax to gymcoord@kyogletogether.org.au .
“We respect people’s choice not to be vaccinated and will support you by suspending your membership until December which is the expected date for easing of this restriction.”
Casino Golf Club staff will be in place to ensure the club continues to be compliant with various legislation.
Unvaccinated and single dose people can play golf in a maximum of two and only one person per golf cart. Vaccinated or exempt patrons can play in a group of four maximum and two per cart.
Casino RSM Club reminded people it was not the choice of staff to implement legislation.
“As such we expect that respect to all staff will be shown. It’s nice to be nice.”
Get your vaccination certificate online from your myGov account.
If you don’t have a smartphone visit the Medicare office in Canterbury Street and they will print you a copy of your covid certificate.
Richmond Valley Council will have an information desk outside of the Casino Administration Centre to help explain public health orders to the community.
Council-run facilities will require proof of vaccination form Monday at Casino and Evans Head libraries, swimming pools, Casino Indoor Sports Stadium and Visitor Information Centres.
Kyogle Council will be following public health orders. Only fully vaccinated or exempted people can use its facilities such as swimming pools.
Neither Kyogle or Richmond Valley LGA have hit that 70% target, sitting close but not at a 60% vaccination rate.
The next two weeks will be telling in how we adapt and if the virus spreads.
51 DAYS: A different life for the unvaccinated until Dec 1 includes job losses
Government advice
Vaccination proof is required for entertainment facilities, recreation facilities, such as stadiums, show grounds, racecourses and motor racing tracks , cafes, restaurants, and pubs, churches, hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo parlours or massage parlours, gyms, indoor pools, tennis centre, public swimming pools in indoor areas that are used to conduct swimming lessons, lap swimming, squad training and rehabilitation activities, museums, art galleries, libraries or visitor information centre, auction houses, betting agencies, gaming lounges and markets that do not predominantly sell food,
Unvaccinated people are allowed to go to supermarkets, grocery stores , shops that mainly sell food or drinks, like butchers, bakeries, fruit and vegetable shops, and delicatessens, kiosks, petrol stations, banks and credit unions, hardware and building supplies, landscaping material supplies, rural supplies, pet supplies . newsagents, office supplies, maternity or baby supplies, chemists, liquor stores, post offices, garden centres and plant nurseries, car hire, mobile phone repair shops, laundromats and drycleaners.
You do not have to check vaccination evidence if you are the owner of these premises.
and then