Clubs and pubs across the Shoalhaven are preparing for a lengthy shutdown from today as the Federal and State governments order a shutdown of non-essential businesses and activities.
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Clubs NSW, the representative body for registered clubs in NSW, said the forced closure of clubs should be considered a priority and had been advised the measures are expected to be in force for at least six months.
"There is significant work to be undertaken for the first few days and weeks following a forced closure," the Clubs NSW website said.
"A closure checklist has been prepared to alert clubs to the issues that need to be addressed."
Many clubs in the Shoalhaven had been taking measures over the past two weeks with the aim to prevent the spread of coronavirus - ranging from increased hygiene and cleaning, changes to rosters, single-use items to less human contact.
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Speaking before the shutdown was announced, Mollymook Golf Club CEO John Holt said after the bushfires a lot of clubs were already doing it tough.
"I think on the back of the summer we've just had, it will be quite devastating for a lot of clubs and a lot of business to lose the Easter trade which was looking very promising," he said.
"To be honest with you, we are preparing ourselves for a potential shutdown - we're hoping it doesn't get to that point but we know that we need to be able to look after our staff and get to the other end so we're financially viable."
Culburra Beach Bowling and Recreation Club secretary manager Phil Ryan said everyone in the industry was worried about the economic impact.
"Everyone would be worried about it at the moment I would think - in the short and probably the long term as well," he said.
Only two weeks ago the foot traffic at the Culburra Beach Bowling and Recreation Club was normal, from today, like all clubs, it will be shut.
For the staff at clubs across the state, Clubs NSW advised that employees who cannot be "usefully employed" will be stood down without pay. Clubs will keep some essential employees and encouraged them to work from home.