How to live your best Canberra spring life (and stay COVID Safe)

Posted on 22 October, 2020

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. No, I’m not talking about Christmas (although that’s not far away either, just saying).

It’s that time when we get to peel off those layers, emerge from our winter cocoons and enjoy that glorious weather and the longer days while we catch up with friends and family.

This weekend we’ve got all the footy finals action (even if the mighty Raiders didn’t quite make it), plus the spring racing carnival in full swing, and weather that’s just crying out for leisurely picnics by the lake, casual drinks with friends, a dip at the local pool, or feeling the wind in your hair as you test drive the new e-scooters. And this year there’s more to celebrate than usual, with COVID-19 restrictions easing and more events and activities coming back to life after the COVID-slumber that has been 2020.

Importantly, we’ve also seen our cafés and restaurants open up more as we all take the opportunity to catch up with friends over great food and drinks.

But that doesn’t mean things have quite gone back to our old version of normal, and it’s everyone’s responsibility to protect both themselves and the city as a whole. As always, if you’re feeling unwell, stay at home. But otherwise, here’s what you can do to live your best Canberra Spring life in a COVID-safe way.

Keep your distance, keep it clean

By now, everyone should be used to physical distancing (stay 1.5 metres apart) and regularly washing your hands or using hand sanitiser when out, so keep it up—it not only helps businesses remain open, but helps keep patrons, workers and the community COVID Safe.

Eat, drink and be sensible

I’m sure most of us will never quite take a weekend brunch at a café, dinner at a restaurant, or cheeky drink out with friends for granted ever again, so you probably don’t need encouragement to head out and support Canberra’s cafés, bars and restaurants.

The hospitality industry has been hit hard during the pandemic, and to keep everyone safe and the doors open, venues are now working even harder to make sure they keep within the allowed number of patrons, separate tables and organise bookings so there is limited cross-over between different groups of patrons.

So do your bit when you visit by following all public health directions and respecting the instructions of the businesses you visit.

Check In when you’re out

The number one accessory you need to make your spring that bit more enjoyable if you’re heading out and about? The Check In CBR App. All non-essential businesses are required to ask for the details of anyone who visits their venue to assist with contact tracing, and many venues are now using the app as a secure, fast, easy and contactless way of collecting customer details. It makes check-in a breeze.

If the place you’re in has an alternative way of recording details, please check in that way.

Remember that more isn’t always merrier

Sure, you might run into extra people while you’re out and about, but now isn’t the time to invite them along if you’ve got a booking somewhere. Be a good patron and always show up to bookings with the number of people you booked for. Bringing along extra people without checking with the venue first means they might be over their capacity limit and can’t accommodate your group.

No shows are a no-no

Not showing up at all with no notice isn’t just rude, it means a business has lost that income and the opportunity to rebook that spot to another group – It’s a huge no-no.

If it’s heavin’, think about leavin’

If a venue is busy and has a queue, always remember to stay 1.5 metres away from other groups, and perhaps even think about returning at another time when it’s quieter. And while you need to keep your hands and germs to yourself, now is the time to share the love when it comes to where you go. If venues are busy or crowded, why not try somewhere else, and support another business who will most likely appreciate the support.

Now is not the time to ignore that sniffle

Most importantly, do not go out if you feel unwell, even with the mildest of symptoms. If you start to experience any COVID-19 symptoms, get tested immediately and stay at home until you get a negative test result and your symptoms resolve.

These may all seem like little things, but they are the most important things we can do to ensure we can keep enjoying all the things we love. Happy spring!

Feature image: VisitCanberra