COVID-19 Information

• January 2021: updated guidelines and references to help with vintage 2021 plus AWRI vineyard guidelines released in February 2021
• 13 January: Reminder - it is mandatory to capture contact details for guests to cellar door and at any events. The Tasmanian Government has released the free Check In Tas app, which can be used if desired.
• 14 December: the Tasmanian Government has launched the Hospitality Energy Rebate Program, a one-off rebate to assist eligible businesses with gas and electricity bills during July-September 2020. This is available for hospitality businesses whose usual business offering is a seated food or beverage service. Read the guidelines, FAQs and apply here if you are eligible.
  
• 10 December: Drinking while standing up will be permitted from 11 December 2020 indoors (for up to 100 people only) as well as outdoors (for up to 250 people only), both subject to the density limit of 1 person per 2 square metres. You can dance too, but only 100 people indoors / 250 people outdoors. Based on your venue capacity, you can have a total of up to 250 people indoors and 1,000 outdoors, but any above the 100/250 people limit on standing while drinking and dancing will need to be seated and not dancing... Got it? We're not making the rules. Further details here.
• Cellar door protocols - please familiarise yourself with the national cellar door guidelines, developed through Australian Grape & Wine in consultation with state wine organisations - these are national best practice guidelines, to be read in conjunction with regulations in each individual state.
  
• Do you know what you need to do if there's a Covid-19 outbreak in your workplace? Plan and be prepared - there is help available if you need it or have any questions. https://www.health.tas.gov.au/...
• 19 August 2020: Agricultural Workforce Resilience Package - Tasmania's seasonal workforce will be impacted by Covid-19, particularly in terms of its usual international contingent. The Tasmanian Government has announced support to encourage Tasmanians to participate in agricultural harvest activities. View Minister Barnett's release here, and further details will be provided as they become available. Wine Tasmania is participating in discussions with other agricultural organisations to try and address the anticipated shortage in seasonal workers - please get in touch to discuss your own situation and any suggestions at any time.
  
• 21 July 2020: Prime Minister announces extension of JobKeeper from 28 September to 28 March 2021 - with changes to eligibility and payment amounts, based on hours of work. Further details are available here, with the ATO continuing to administer the payments and further details to be made available on its website here.
  
• COVID Safe Workplaces - each business needs to have a COVID Safe Workplace Plan - view checklist and small business template here. Wine businesses will be impacted by guidelines relevant to agriculture, food processing, hospitality and retail - full details for available here.
• A Tasmanian Lifeline service - COVID-19 has made life tough for Tasmanians. The future suddenly feels uncertain. If you are struggling, feeling alone, or need help, you can call A Tasmanian Lifeline. The team at A Tasmanian Lifeline are ready to take your call between 8am and 8pm on 1800 98 44 34. Or you can book a confidential call online at www.atasmanianlifeline.com.au. Please share this information with your staff and colleagues and flyers have been provided for you to forward to staff, print and display in staff rooms. If you'd like hard copies or wallet cards to give to staff, please drop us a note at mail@winetasmania.net.au and we'll obtain from Lifeline.

Key links and information:

• Events (webinars) that may be of interest - we'll post details on our events listing as well as the Slack member forum
  
• Australian Government information - official information on COVID-19 and resources
• Tasmanian Government information - COVID-19 information and resources
• Business Tasmania - dedicated resource for Tasmanian businesses
• Tourism Tasmania - information for businesses with cellar doors or visitor offerings (if you don't already receive the Tourism Tasmania newsletter and updates, you can subscribe here)
• TCCI - as part of the Tasmanian Government support, the TCCI has been funded to offer free workplace relations support for businesses impacted by COVID-19 - phone 1300 559 112
• TICT - through Tasmanian Government support, the TICT has been funded to offer a free consultation service for tourism operators with an experienced financial advisor. Please contact info@tict.com.au for more information. The TICT has also released several podcast series discussing the impact of COVID-19 and support available for tourism businesses - access here
• Australian Grape & Wine - information and resources from the national wine body
• Tasmanian Liquor & Gaming - information and support for liquor licence holders
• Worksafe Tasmania - resources and links, including advice on a Pandemic Plan

Please get in touch with Wine Tasmania at any time with questions, comments and suggestions - 0407 004 959 (Sheralee), 0414 980 798 (Paul) or 0409 285 100 (Allison). Stay safe, look after yourself and others.