The National Retail Association welcomes the state government announcements scrapping vaccine mandates across Queensland and the Northern Territory, saying retailers are excited to get back to doing what they do best – driving economic growth.
In the Northern Territory, the Territory Vaccine Pass has been removed. This means proof of vaccination is no longer required to enter certain venues such as bars, pubs, nightclubs, restaurants, casinos, cinemas and theatres. Infrastructure to support The Territory Check In-App will remain in place.
In Queensland, from 1am AEST Thursday 14 April 2022, the requirement to check-in and to be fully vaccinated in a range of venues and events will end.
Venues include pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants; theme parks, casinos and cinemas; weddings; showgrounds; and galleries, libraries, museums and stadiums.
Vaccination and check-in requirements will continue for anyone visiting or working in vulnerable settings (hospitals, disability accommodation services and residential aged care) as well as for workers in high risk settings including schools, childcare, prisons and airports.
Until then, the current vaccination and check-in requirements on this page remain in effect.
“The retail and hospitality sector has continuously proven their resilience in the face of the pandemic by tirelessly balancing public safety with limited operations and government restrictions,” says NRA Director of Industry Insights Rebecca Goulter.
The announcements in Queensland and the Northern Territory sees the final barriers for recovering cafes and hospitality venues being removed in time for the Easter long weekend.
Lifting restrictions in these venues is going to make a big difference for local businesses, who are looking forward to getting their livelihoods and the economy back on track.
Retailers have gone above and beyond to provide safe spaces for shoppers and employees throughout the pandemic, which has at times come at the cost of lost income.
We are looking forward to friends and family returning to socialise in public venues with or without a vaccination.”