Newcastle is 160 kilometres north of Sydney but close enough to be feeling the impact of the NSW Government’s latest COVID lockdown, which has been extended to July 16.
Cafes across the city have had to once again change the way they do business.
Frothers Espresso on Glebe Road, Merewether dealt with the latest NSW Government COVID measures simply and swiftly.
“We snapped straight back into mask wearing and takeaway only,” owner Nathaniel James said.
Following the decision to temporarily close the dining area, the cafe has experienced a 50 per cent drop in trade.
“We have been more affected by these new restrictions this time round,” Nathaniel said.
“Thankfully, the staff have been amazing, and a lot are students on support for study. If our structure was any different, if we had full-time employees or higher overheads, we would really be feeling the strain.
“In saying that, we are on a razor’s edge profit margin.”
Nathaniel explained that the decision to offer takeaway only came not just from an operational perspective but from a moral standpoint too.
“We want more than anything to help stop the spread, even if it does decrease sales,” he said.
“It feels contradictory to have mandatory masks inside, then allow people to take masks off to eat and drink.
“Takeaway only feels like the right thing to do.”
Nathaniel said he could see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I think things will return to normal. The last six months felt very normal for us. Everyone had some respite, and it was very nice to have capacity back for a while.”
Owner of Steph’s Gourmet Foods Stephane Pois said his business was heavily impacted by the latest COVID-19 lockdown, with his main income sourced from market stalls across Sydney, Newcastle and the Central Coast.
“The impact has been huge. All the markets that I attend across the Sydney area have been cancelled,” Pois said.
“All the stock that I ordered in preparation for the markets I’m now trying to sell online. Some foods can be kept up to 10 weeks, but most of my produce is perishable.
“I’ve needed to adapt when ordering my stock, so I’ve limited the quantities of meats and cheeses and stocking up on long-lasting pantry items like honey.
“I like to be organised when it comes to planning produce and ordering stock, but right now, it’s just so uncertain and planning ahead is impossible.”
After last year’s lockdown, Pois prepared his business for online sales. Customers can now select from a large variety of gourmet cheeses, sausages, and pantry essentials like spreadables, spices and oils.
“It’s a very interesting time for the food industry; I’ve had to take a step back and rethink my business,” Pois said.
“I really had to come up with how I could bring my produce to the people without depending solely on the markets.
“I did a big push for an online store, where my customers and clients can order their favourite gourmet foods; it’s going really well so far. I’m just making sure to stay positive and take it day by day.”
Gyms across the city have been exercising extreme caution, notifying members and staff that they must wear a mask when inside the gym and on the gym floor at all times.
Gym goers are permitted to remove their masks if “doing strenuous exercise” (except in a gym class or a dance class). Group fitness classes are limited to 20 people.
The school holidays were for some Newcastle students and teachers spent in lockdown as classes from various schools, including Lambton High School’s Year 11 Biology class and St Dominic’s Centre Mayfield, visited Greater Sydney on excursions in the final week of term.
The NSW Government website instructed: “If you were in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour on or after Monday 21 June 2021, follow the stay at home rules for 14 days from the date you left the area.”
St Philip’s Christian College’s highly acclaimed production of High School Musical wowed audiences at Newcastle’s Civic Theatre between Thursday, June 24 and Saturday, June 26.
The cast and crew were informed directly after the Saturday matinee performance that the finale on the Saturday night could not go ahead because of the NSW Government’s sudden crackdown.
The school’s Facebook page carried the following message: “We are so disappointed to announce that due to NSW State Government Restrictions announced this afternoon, the final performance of High School Musical can not go ahead this evening. Our students and staff have worked incredibly hard to bring yet another joy filled Senior School musical to the stage. We thank each and every person involved for the dedication they have poured into this amazing production. You’ve done it yet again St Philip’s Musical Team.”
What the NSW Government measures mean for Novocastrians:
- Up to five people (adults and children) are allowed to visit another household at any one time. There is no daily limit.
- Overnight stays as part of a visit to someone’s house are allowed.
- Face masks are to be worn in all indoor areas of non-residential premises such as retail stores, supermarkets, offices.
- Masks are also to be worn at certain outdoor gatherings, if you are on public transport, in a major recreation facility such as a stadium, or working in a hospitality venue.
- There is a 20-person limit for classes or activities at a gym, dance classes, yoga classes, and you must wear a face mask while in attendance.
- You must be seated when drinking alcohol in an indoor area of non-residential premises in NSW. This includes restaurants, pubs and registered clubs and nightclubs, as well as outdoor gatherings or stadiums.
- The use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at all workplaces and retail businesses from Monday, July 12.
- COVID restrictions in detail can be found at nsw.gov.au.
Gina Cranson and Hayley McMahon