Overnight the South Australian Government published a new Direction in relation to the Stay at Home requirements for South Australians. Specific details can be found by clicking this link
Car Wash Businesses Must be Closed
Under Clause 5 (1) of the directions, it appears clear that car wash businesses must be closed until 12.01 am 25 November 2020 – “Community activities including business, professional, educational, academic and government activities must stop operation unless it is carried out in line with this direction or does not involve leaving the home”.
Attending A Site to Close Down and Maintain
Provisions in the Directions have been made under Clause 3 (s) allowing car wash operators (and staff) to attend their site to close down the facility and attend to any matter that may cause damage to the site – “A factory or facility that is not able to be shut down without causing damage to plant and equipment, but only those operations that are necessary in order to prevent that damage”
Whilst not a requirement of the Directions, ACWA recommends:
- Any staff member attending the site should be provided with a letter stating that they are an essential worker under Clause 3 (s) of the Stay at Home Directions and are attending the site to undertake work that would otherwise cause damage to plant and equipment. A letter for this purpose is attached.
- A COVID Safe Plan is completed. Specialist car wash COVID Safe Plans are available to members by logging into the ACWA Website https://acwa.neoterik.com.au/members/ and using the left hand navigation by clicking on COVID 19 Member Resources. The relevant Plan is titled ACWA COVID Safe Plan When Site is Closed.
Next Steps
There is current media speculation that restrictions on business may continue after 24 November 2020. ACWA will be contacting relevant South Australian Government Ministers and departments outlining car washing’s case for reopening at the earliest possible opportunity.