Sydney opens more pedestrian zones to boost the nighttime economy during Covid-19.

Amidst the ongoing and complex pandemic situation in Australia's two most populous states, Victoria and New South Wales, the New South Wales government's 24-hour economic development strategy, with Sydney as its capital, is expected to be discussed this month, with adjustments to adapt to the changes in business conditions caused by the pandemic.

The Commission for Sydney, a lobbying group, is calling for changes to how cafes, restaurants, and pubs operate, arguing that people would feel safer visiting outdoor venues that implement appropriate social distancing measures.

The Commission's chief executive, Gabriel Metcalf, said discussions on strategies for developing the night-time economy needed to focus on the necessary transformational measures to save businesses while the government and people of New South Wales remained highly vigilant about the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Mr. Metcalf argued that streets should be dedicated to nightlife and urged neighborhood authorities to make it easier for outdoor businesses as people increasingly avoid indoor dining. "People want more streets and open spaces for nightlife, like outdoor dining and performances," Mr. Metcalf said. "Neighborhood authorities need to close some streets to vehicular traffic to create more space for people to gather."

According to Mr. Metcalf, it's important to make people feel comfortable going outside, and the city of Sydney can make better use of outdoor spaces, including rooftops. Mandating mask-wearing in indoor locations not only helps prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus but also helps people feel safe leaving their homes.

New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian last week urged young people to limit social interaction after a young man in his 20s in Sydney contracted Covid-19 but still visited seven restaurants, pubs, and a Woolworths supermarket within 48 hours. Those in their 20s have the highest rate of Covid-19 infections in New South Wales and nationally. The New South Wales government has no intention of imposing limits on the number of places a person can visit in a night, but has warned of the dangers of infected individuals visiting multiple bars and pubs.

Sydney Deputy Mayor Jess Scully said the City Council quickly allowed food and beverage services to reopen on walkways before the city implemented restrictions at the end of March to ensure businesses could continue operating safely.

In June, the City Council authorized a 12-month trial banning motorbikes from Chippendale Street in Kensington from Thursday to Sunday each week so that restaurants could set up tables outdoors. Kensington Street is home to numerous restaurants, pubs, and art galleries, as well as a row of Asian food stalls. Earlier this year, before the pandemic, this "food street" was attracting up to 4,000 visitors a day. A Kensington representative said that the ban on motorbikes from 11 am on four days a week has helped many restaurants on the street to thrive, as more people have begun to see it as a safe place to visit.

Huong Thao