Gyms, yoga studios and even beauticians 'to reopen in the NEXT MONTH' in NSW - as pubs and restaurants are allowed 50 patrons
- NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro hints at swift reopening of the state
- Gyms, yoga studios, beauticians could open in 'next month or so', he said
- But residents will only be able to pump iron at gyms 'if industry plan is right'
- 'We're not talking about September, no way in the world,' Mr Barilaro said
- 'We're looking at all these restrictions coming off in the next month or so'
- But he warned the government is 'just working one day at a time'
Gyms, yoga studios and even beauty salons could reopen within the 'next month or so' in New South Wales as the government winds back lockdown measures.
The state government announced on Friday that pubs and restaurants will reopen to up to 50 patrons - with some restrictions - from June 1.
But Deputy Premier John Barilaro told Radio 2GB that more is on the way, hinting that Australia's biggest state is on track to reopen quicker than anyone anticipated.
It will have been months between gym sessions for many fit Australians - who have been forced to work out at home or in their local parks
Yoga studios are in discussions with the government about how swiftly they can reopen, with deputy premier John Barilaro signalling they could get the nod in the next month or so
The state's deputy premier included beauticians on his list of industries which may be able to reopen sooner than first thought
Senior ministers are working on 'industry packages' for reopening gyms, yoga studios, beauticians and other sectors of the economy.
'You name it, we're working on all of those,' Mr Barilaro told host Ben Fordham - and the plans may be announced sooner rather than later.
Mr Barilaro said: 'We're not talking September, no way in the world.
'We're looking at all these restrictions coming off in the next month or so.'
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Asked if he could directly confirm that gyms would be open in a month, Mr Barilaro said: 'I'm confident, if the industry plan is right, we'll be able to make announcements around that that.'
Gyms have a COVID-19 problem in common surfaces used for workouts, he said.
But the Nationals MP said the government will work with industries on hygiene measures and social distancing protocols so they can safely reopen.
'They'll put forward their plan, their measures and protocols on how they can actually do so - open any industry up in a COVID-safe way.'
Mr Barilaro compared how sectors of the economy will reopen to how the National Rugby League has approached COVID-19.
The NRL pitched a plan to the government which then had it assessed by health experts and will allow the competition to restart in the coming weeks.
The deputy premier told host Ben Fordham he was confident other industries were following a similar course.
'I can't pre-empt it mate, we're just working one day at a time,' he said.
HOW DEPUTY PREMIER HINTED GYMS WILL RE-OPEN 'IN NEXT MONTH OR SO'
Restrictions hint: NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro suggested gyms and other businesses could open in the 'next month or so' - but it depends on industry plans
A brief transcript of what the New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro told Radio 2GB on Friday afternoon:
Ben Fordham: You know in politics John that when you've got good news for some there'll always be others saying, good for them, not for me.
You'll be familiar with Mark Carroll the rugby league legend. 'Spud' just called in before and said what about gyms, when are gyms going to get a break?
John Barilaro: It's a good point. What we're doing is myself, the Treasurer and (minsiters) Victor Dominello along with Brad Hazzard head up a task force the premier has put together.
We're working with industry by industry. We're looking at industry packages just like we've done with pubs and clubs today.
Fordham: Can you give them a hint though? It's all well and good to find out who's in the meeting room.
He just wants to know, is it September, is it November, is it next year?
Barilaro: We're working on that plan as we speak now, no different for yoga studios, a whole range of other areas, beauticians, you name it, we're still working on all of those.
But we're not talking September, now way in the world.
We're looking at all of these restrictions coming off in the next month or so.
Fordham: In the next month or so gyms will be open?
Barilaro: I'm confident, if the industry plan is right, we'll be able to make announcements around that. But we need to work with the industry.
Cheers! Pubs and restaurants in New South Wales can host 50 patrons at once from June 1, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced today
Customers will have to be seated at tables and must have four square meters per person, meaning smaller bars and cafes will not be able to fit 50 people inside
The Premier said she made the move to get Australians back into work after 210,000 lost their jobs in the state in April
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the move was a big boost for regional areas
Pubs, restaurants to reopen to 50 people from June 1
Earlier on Friday, Gladys Berejiklian announced the lifting of restrictions on pubs and restaurants, allowing 50 patrons per restaurant and pub.
But there will still be coronavirus restrictions at pubs and restaurants.
Customers will have to be seated at tables and each must be allowed four square meters per person.
That means smaller bars and cafes will not be permitted to fit 50 people inside.
There will also be no buffets or shared cutlery and bookings will be limited to 10 people.
Diners will have to register their name and phone number when they enter the premises so they can be contacted in the event of an outbreak.
The Premier said she made the move to get Australians back into work after 210,000 lost their jobs in the state in April.
'We are making sure people aren't long-term unemployed, and that we can bounce back from the devastating economic shock,' she said.
NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was moving to swiftly and safely get businesses back in business and people back to work.
'There are about 280,000 people employed in this sector of the economy and allowing venues to safely cater for more customers will provide another boost to business and jobs,' Mr Perrottet said.
'NSW is opening back up for business, and as we ease restrictions everybody needs to follow the health and safety guidelines, to ensure we make it a success and can continue.'
There will be no buffets or shared cutlery and bookings will be limited to 10 people
Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello, who is responsible for liquor and gaming regulation, said the NSW Government has met with both AHA and ClubsNSW to deliver this plan.
'This has been really considered and thought out to make sure we have the best regulatory settings in place,' Mr Dominello said.
Victoria has announced that 20 people will be allowed in a restaurant or cafe at once from June 1.
Queensland currently caps numbers at 10 and will allow 20 from 12 June.
South Australia is allowing a venues to host 10 diners outdoors, 10 indoors and serve alcohol from June 5.
Western Australia already allows 20 patrons to be inside a pub at once.
The Northern Territory opened pubs on 15 May with no numbers cap.
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