The silly season is now upon us and for the first time in a couple of years, we can actually get together face to face to celebrate and reflect on another year before we head into the Christmas / New Year break. But what does holding an event mean in an ever changing COVID restriction environment? Luckily, Aaron Goonrey and Luke Scandrett from Lander & Rogers, Workplace Relations and Safety Practice, recently wrote an article[1] which provided a state and territory guide to restrictions.
Timing and location of the event are key, as most states and territories have different and changing requirements. For example, in NSW, for fully vaccinated people only:
- singing and dancing are permitted indoors and outdoors (no need to organise activities during a party to keep people seated and occupied);
- alcohol may be consumed while not being seated (avoiding the almost impossible task of ensuring people who are drinking stay seated); and
- masks do not need to be worn.
However, density limits of one person per two square metres still apply, so employers need to be mindful of the size of the venue and the number of people attending.
In South Australia, the one person per two square metre rule is enforced for standing events. When people are sitting, three people per four square metres are permitted in a venue. There is a limit of 150 people per venue with only 50 people permitted to dance at once. While singing is permitted, masks must be worn indoors (unless you are a performer). Importantly, employers must also have an approved contract tracing system that’s independent from the one used by the venue.
In Queensland, which is currently under stage three restrictions, as of 17 December 2021 or when 80 per cent of Queenslanders aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated (whichever comes first), proof of vaccination status certificates will be required, meaning entry to certain venues will be restricted to those who are fully vaccinated.
Eating and drinking while standing is permitted and there is no limit on gathering in public spaces. Fully vaccinated Queenslanders will need to follow the one person per two square metre rule for indoor venues or 100 per cent allocated seated and ticketed capacity.
In NSW, once the state reaches 95 per cent double vaccination, or on 15 December 2021 (whichever comes first), proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Orders for most activities. There will be no density limits, and both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals will be able to enter hospitality venues. It will be optional to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan, but businesses should nonetheless be very familiar with COVID-19 protocols and requirements to ensure your office Christmas party is conducted safely.
In Victoria, there are no density and capacity limits on hospitality businesses. Dance floors have also reopened, and masks are required in some settings. As in NSW, attendees at venues in Victoria will need to be fully vaccinated.
In Western Australia, there are no square metre rules or patron caps, however events with over 500 guests require the completion of a COVID Event Checklist, and all events should be registered with the WA Department of Health.
Tasmanian businesses can host 250 people in an “undivided space” indoors and 500 people in outdoor premises. The one person per two square metre rule applies. A checklist submission is required in this state too, however events at this capacity are not subject to approval.
In the Northern Territory, public health orders and lockdown/lockout requirements for the Greater Katherine and Robinson River area, including surrounding homelands, must be followed until 7 December 2021 and 1 December 2021, respectively, or subject to government announcements. Fully vaccinated residents in Robinson River and surrounding homelands are able to live normally within the lockout area. Residents of Binjari and Rockhole are currently in a hard lockdown (as on 25 Nov 2021).
And don’t forget, as an employer, your obligations to provide a safe work environment still applies to social events, such as Christmas parties, which are usually the time when HR receives the most harassment complaints. So without trying to sound like the Christmas grinch, please remind your staff of their obligations under your Sexual Harassment and Bullying Policy so that everyone has a fabulous celebration to the end of what has been another trying year.
However you celebrate this time of year, I hope that you and yours enjoy some special time together, remain safe and come back in 2022 feeling relaxed and refreshed.
[1] Legal considerations for the office Christmas party in a Covid-19 world, Aaron Goonrey and Luke Scandrett, HRM Online, 29 November 2021