With over 70 percent of the NSW population now double dose vaccinated the state re-opened however to ensure the safety of residents, businesses in the hospitality, non-critical retail, personal services and sporting, recreation and entertainment industries are required to check the vaccination status of all their patronage, a regulation which came into place on Monday.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort Digital Marketing Manager Rob Alexander said with the addition of vaccination status’ to members cards the transition has run smoothly, however there may be teething issues when visitors, especially those outside the border bubble, return.
“From our system process point of view, it is working really well,” Mr Alexander said.
“Our swipe terminal provider has allowed staff to be able to save recognition of viewing a members vaccination status to the members number, meaning next time they visit they just swipe their member card, and their vaccination status will be on there.
“It has been smooth sailing so far, but it may be different when Melbourne visitors are able to attend.
“The only difficulty we have found has been with the elderly with the technology aspects of showing their status. We did have a few disgruntled older residents as they don’t use their phones to the extent of the younger generation.
“At the moment when it is just locals attending it is ok though we’re a bit worried how the process will work in the future.
“We ask members to be ready and patient while we get through the teething process.”
Mulwala Water Ski Club CEO Peter Duncan said his staff had no issues with checking patrons’ vaccination status requirements on the first day of the new regulations and he hopes it remains that way as we head into the busier months.
“The first day of having to prove two jabs of the vaccine has gone very smoothly,” Mr Duncan said.
“Almost all customers were aware of the need to show proof and were very cooperative.
“Hopefully this continues on the weekend when it becomes busy, and more visitors are coming to town.”
ClubMulwala CEO Alan Rowe said overall the first day of checking status’ at ClubMulwala went really well.
“People were well prepared. Only a handful of people didn’t have or weren’t sure exactly what they were required to bring but we helped them with loading the required documents to their phones,” Mr Rowe said.
“It was a bit quieter than usual. I think people are getting their head around the new changes, but we hope it picks up again especially as the town begins to get busier heading into summer.”
Yarrawonga residents are also free to travel to Mulwala for more covid freedoms from Monday as long as they are double vaccinated and follow NSW regulations.
It still not certain when Victorians outside the border bubble will be able to cross over into NSW to also enjoy relaxed freedoms at venues.
In Victoria no visitors are still allowed to visit the home and only 10 people indoors and 30 outdoors are able to attend hospitality venues, but it is expected the state will hit its 70 percent milestone in early November.
The Victorian Government announced on Sunday that in a little over three weeks, crowds will return to the Melbourne Cup (10,000) and concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl (October 30) and smaller venues across the state, as preparations for Victoria’s safe reopening ramp up.
Smaller gigs are also planned around the state at the same time, subject to approval from the Chief Health Officer with the Vaccinated Economy trials to allow more people to safely attend venues and events when all patrons are fully vaccinated.
As of Monday, Moira Shire had more than 95 per cent of residents which have received their first dose and over 65 percent double dosed. In Mulwala over 90 percent of the population was single dosed while 70 percent was fully vaccinated.
Yarrawonga Health, Yarrawonga Medical Clinic, Yarrawonga Denis Medical Group, Terry White Chemmart and Mulwala Pharmacy are all conducting COVID-19 vaccinations by ringing the clinics or pharmacies directly.
