Harvey cafes quiet as proof-of-vaccination rules put in place across WA

New proof-of-vaccination rules have been met with quiet cafes and takeaway coffees as a COVID-19 reality begins to set in again across the Harvey. Under the new laws, which were put in place from last Monday, anyone wishing to dine-in at most venues, including the entire hospitality sector, must show proof-of-vaccination. As one of the last cafes open in the Harvey townsite, Lemongrass Cafe owner Sarah Stanaitis said the new rules had put her business in a better situation than expected, even though she saw it going a “very different way”. “The only huge issue we’ve had is the older generation that don’t have a smartphone, don’t have an email address or don’t have a computer and so don’t have proof they’re vaccinated,” she said. “There’s been a couple of customers who I know have had their vaccine because I’ve taken them to their appointment, but they don’t have anything (to prove it).” “I have appreciated the locals and this is going to be our first weekend having to ask for (proof of vaccination) as we see more out-of-towners, so it’s going to be very interesting to see how that goes.” Businesses that fail or refuse to follow the new rules can face fines of up to $100,000, with a number of businesses in Harvey recently closing and many now offering take-away only options. Ms Stanaitis said she doesn’t wholly agree with vaccination status checking, in fear it may exclude people, but her business cannot afford the high non-compliance fines. “I don’t agree with it just because I don’t feel like I should need to exclude anybody, but that’s a personal preference, I don’t think it’s right,” she said. “Because we needed to get vaccinated I did lose a couple of staff at the end of last year so most of my staff are new.” After some businesses operating in Eaton Fair Shopping Centre were names as exposure sites Ms Stanaitis said her trade had dropped “significantly” and her business was one of the last cafes operating in Harvey. “We have noticed, once Eaton became a hotspot, business dropped significantly because it’s a bit closer to home, so people have stopped coming out as much,” she said. “The reality is definitely setting in, speaking to other businesses they’ve said the day they got listed they didn’t get one ounce of business.” “Takeaway has definitely increased whereas dine-in has plateaued, but business is business and I’m happy to sell a coffee whether its takeaway or dine in.” Vaccination certificates are also required for gyms — such as the Leschenault Leisure Centre and Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre — as well as swimming pools and community sport events. In a statement the Shire of Harvey thanked the community for their “understanding and patience” and said it is everyone’s responsibility to ensure these mandates are adhered to. “(LLC and HRCC) Member entry will be deactivated and reactivated once members have displayed their proof of vaccination to HRCC or LLC staff,” the statement said. “This will mean you will only have to show your proof of vaccination once, or until government directions change requiring further proof.”