Business leader urges state government to ‘get a bit ambitious’ about COVID-19 reopening

A Victorian business leader is urging the state government to provide clear guidance on the path out of COVID-19.

CEO of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Paul Guerra, says businesses are “in crisis” and need “a very clear roadmap from the Premier on what can open and when”.

“They want to know when they can welcome staff back and they want to know when they can welcome customers back,” he told Neil Mitchell.

Mr Guerra is calling for regional areas without COVID-19 outbreaks to be released from lockdown, the return of face-to-face learning at schools, and reopening dates for events and entertainment.

He says Victoria needs to “get a bit ambitious”.

“We’re falling behind here in the vaccination rates. When I look at NSW, they’re at 66 per cent first dose, we’re at 55 per cent first dose. How do we ramp that up?,” Mr Guerra said.

“Let’s pump it out with 24 hour vaccination hubs and drive these numbers up. We know this (restriction easing) gets triggered at 70 per cent double vaccinated so let’s rush to get there.”

Press PLAY below to hear what Mr Guerra thinks the state government should do urgently

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