Tips and resources

Having an appropriate plan in place will help your business before, during and after an emergency situation.

A business continuity plan documents the steps you need to take to keep your business running and your cash flow coming in.

You can find step-by-step instructions and a template on the Australian Government's Business website.

You should contact your accountant, bank and insurer to talk through your particular situation.

There are a number of support options for businesses experiencing hardship as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19).

Australian banks have hardship teams ready to help you, depending on your circumstances.

Assistance could include:

• deferring loan payments
• waiving fees and charges
• helping with debt consolidation
• waiving penalties for early withdrawal of a term deposit, or
• deferring upcoming credit card payments and increasing emergency limits.

For more information or to contact your bank’s financial hardship team, go to the Australian Banking Association website.

Use trusted information sources to stay updated about coronavirus (COVID-19).

Below are links to trusted information sources, with the latest updates and advice on coronavirus (COVID-19).

SecureNT

For the latest information and advice on the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation in the Northern Territory, follow SecureNT on Facebook and go to the coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

Australian Government Department of Health

The Australian Government Department of Health website contains up-to-date coronavirus (COVID-19) health information and resources.

Go to the Department of Health website.

National advice hotline

For information on coronavirus (COVID-19), call the hotline, open 24 hours, 7 days - 1800 020 080.

World Health Organisation

The World Health Organisation is the directing and coordinating authority on international health within the United Nations system.

Go to the World Health Organisation website.

If a guest or visitor develops symptoms

You should ask the guest or visitor to self-isolate and call the coronavirus (COVID-19) hotline on 1800 008 002.

Find out more about how to self-isolate and what you should do if you are unwell on the coronavirus (COVID-19) website.

Refusing guests/ customers if they appear to be sick

You have the right to ask visitors, guests and customers to provide information in advance about whether they have:

• flu-like symptoms
• been in contact with a confirmed case of coronavirus (COVID-19) or
• travelled internationally in the last 14 days.

To help you manage your cancellations effectively, do all of the following:

• be proactive in reaching out to customers with existing bookings to provide them with information
• check your current cancellation policy
• ensure you’re clear about your refund strategy
• provide advice for new bookings
• where relevant, ask guests /customers to check their insurance policy.

It’s important to keep your employees and customers safe.

Safe Work Australia provides work health and safety information to keep workers safe and limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).

For more information, go to the Safe Work Australia website.