After a year like no other, confirmation that seating capacity at indoor and outdoor events will return to 100 per cent by early May is welcome news.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It's a win for punters keen to once again get out and enjoy arts and sporting events, but most importantly, it's a much-needed lifeline for venues and organisers who for months have struggled to stay afloat.
And while the timing could be better, with the early May start date narrowly missing the state's first AFL premiership season match since 2019 in Launceston on Anzac Day, there are still plenty of big ticket events coming up on the calendar that will no doubt capitalise on the latest changes.
Because while we have learnt to live with a relatively high level of uncertainty and lack of control throughout the pandemic, if there is one thing that big events need, it's a plan. In fact, most events - particularly large-scale ones - require months, if not years of planning to go ahead.
So, when countless major Tasmanian event organisers started pulling the pin months out from the planned run date, it quickly became clear that the uncertainty of COVID-19 and the subsequent restrictions were having devastating impacts that many would never be able to come back from.
Throughout the government's response to COVID-19, the emphasis has always been on ensuring the health and safety of Tasmanians. But at what point do you start to weigh it up against the economic and social destruction of restrictions? Particularly in the face on what many industry stakeholders called out as glaring inconsistencies.
While many event organisers would have likely been jumping for joy on Friday with another major milestone in our COVID-19 recovery now appearing closer than ever, we are not in the clear yet.
As stressed by Premier Peter Gutwein, venues will still need to adhere to COVID-safe plans, including social distancing. We were also reminded of the very real scenario that Tasmania, at any time, could again be faced with a potential outbreak.
The national guidelines informing the 100 per cent capacity ruling will continue to be based on the risk of community transmission. So while the path ahead is looking clear, we must still brace for some bumps along the way.
