Despite the lifting of the cap on the numbers of workers permitted in offices, many businesses have been unable to secure a full return of their workforces because of the density quotients in place.It comes as restrictions were relaxed at 6pm on Friday, meaning people no longer have to wear masks in shopping centres.The density rules limit the total number of workers on-site to one for every 2sq m.Industry groups, Lord Mayor Sally Capp and the state opposition have called for the limit to be scrapped.In NSW the density limits do not apply to offices, while in Queensland a requirement remains only for 1.5m physical distancing.Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief Paul Guerra said it was vital nothing limited the prospects of a full economic recovery.“There’s no active COVID-19 in Victoria now and if the government has confidence in its hotel quarantine and contact tracing systems there’s no reason why all the restrictions that are hampering business can’t come off,” Mr Guerra said.“Our economy needs as many people back to work and as many businesses trading at a viable level as possible.”Opposition Leader Michael O’Brien said it made no sense 75,000 people could sit at the MCG while workers in offices still had to be 1.5m apart.“This seems more like red tape than keeping people safe,” Mr O’Brien said.The Lord Mayor said it was a critical time to build momentum for Melbourne’s economic and cultural recovery.“I am hoping the next step in easing restrictions is safely increasing capacity limits in pubs, clubs and live-music venues,” Ms Capp said. “We would welcome any further easing of restrictions for these industries … we want our city buzzing again.”She has written to the biggest 20 employers based in the City of Melbourne to encourage them to get their teams back to their offices.“I’ve had a very positive response from our big employers and many have already reached out to me to reiterate their commitment to our city’s recovery,” Ms Capp said.“I will continue pushing large employers to bring their staff back to city workplaces now that the public health caps have been removed.”The Property Council’s Victorian executive director, Danni Hunter said the density quotas were a big issue.“It’s a very significant handbrake on allowing people who want to come back to the office to do that,” she said.“Companies are having to work around floor space requirements, remote working requirements and density concerns at the same time.“We absolutely aren’t going to be full pelt until we can take them off … The floor plans we have just aren’t big enough.”A government spokeswoman said careful consideration was given to the crowd limits set for sporting events. “All restrictions … are guided by public health advice,” she said.shannon.deery@news.com.au
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