Events Of 100+ Attendees Banned – How It Will Affect Our Industry

Prime Minister Scott Morrison just placed a nationwide ban on gatherings of 100+ attendees effective from today, 18 March 2020.

Announced this morning, our PM has now placed a nationwide ban on all non-essential indoor events of 100 or more attendees, effective from today. Outdoor events of 500 or more guests are included in the ban.

Exempt from the ban are gatherings and events that are classified ‘essential’ – including schools, universities, airports, public transport, medical facilities, aged care facilities, jails, courts, parliaments, supermarkets and a selection of workplaces.

While spas, salons, and clinics are so far not directly affected as the number of people within the businesses at any given time would typically not exceed 100, we can expect industry events such as educational seminars or client events to be put on hold for a while. Expos and summits have already been cancelled or postponed, and it is unclear when things will normalise again.

It is now in the hands of state and territory governments as to how long the ban is in place for. Morrison added this is a “once-in-a-100-year type event” and there is “no two-week answer to what we’re confronting”, however, reassured the public “we are going to keep Australia running” and “together, we are up to this challenge”.

Along with news of this ban was the upgraded international travel ban to level four, urging Australians “do not travel abroad”. Virgin Australia also announced all of its international flights will be grounded from 30 March until 14 June 2020.

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to intensify across the country with over 450 cases now reported. Experts say this is expected to double within the next two weeks. Bans on indoor events up until now had been placed on those attracting guests of 500 or more, but with these newly revised numbers, we can expect to see a further dramatic impact on smaller industry events too.

Brands who regularly participate in industry events, participate in sponsorships and rely on their own education initiatives, are sure to be feeling the weight of this new legislation soon, which is rumoured to last at least 6 months. Michelle Reeve from Waterlily is one of these brands, however, is staying positive and taking it day by day.

“Health is at the heart of our business,” says Michelle. “The care and safety of our team, spa partners and therapists is at the centre of all decisions moving forward. For us, we are making sure the human element remains front of mind during a time when businesses are being impacted in ways unanticipated. Our culture of care and connection means we are practicing social distancing but are reaching out and working to stay in touch with our community online.”

Leanne Spring from Spring Spa Wear is another one of these brands who plans on keeping her chin up. “I think the ban will effect the beauty industry greatly as these are the times when we all need to meet and band together to support one another and get through these challenges. Education and gatherings are what brings us together, motivates and inspires us. I am sure the beauty professionals coming to the smaller events would be vigilant with their own health and if in doubt would not risk infecting others. I hope this blows over quickly so we can get back to nurturing supporting and caring for our communities all over Australia.”

Is your business or brand being affected by these new rules? What plans are you putting in place to protect yourself, your team and your guests? Please feel free to reach us at editorial@3.106.143.225 – we would love to hear from you. It is crucial that we support one another and share stories and advice throughout these difficult and unprecedented times.

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