For CBD cafe owner Marino Plagiotis, news of the latest COVID-19 outbreak signalled a sudden dip in business.
Marino Plagiotis, who runs the Hungry Bean Cafe in the CBD, says business during COVID-19 outbreaks has been a"roller coaster" ride.While business had steadily increased since the March lockdown, which turned the CBD into a ghost town, Mr Plagiotis said the recent outbreaks had sent business at the Hungry Bean Cafe in Clarence Street into a sudden nosedive.
Business confidence in the state was positive in the December quarter for the first time since June 2018, the research by peak body Business NSW shows. However, the survey pre-dated the northern beaches lockdown and abrupt state border closures over the Christmas-New Year period which is likely to have affected sentiment.
Sydney Business Chamber executive director Katherine O'Regan said retail trade had strengthened leading into Christmas and then fell quiet after recent COVID-19 outbreaks. She said many businesses that planned a return to the office early in January had put things "on pause".
AnnaPattySMH MattWadeSMH The NSW Govt lifted the last meaningful restrictions in early December at the behest of the bigger end of town, especially CBD office owners. 2 days after lifting, the Avalon outbreak began. 200+ cases later & a business downturn, has big business learnt quick fixes backfire?
AnnaPattySMH MattWadeSMH Didn’t these businesses get the memo: Gladys is doing the best job in Australia on COVID Keeping the doors open and business is thriving