Coronavirus has upended everyone’s way of life. The world is going through some serious changes right now. Many countries are in the process of trying to come out of lockdown. Some countries are coming out because the number of active cases has dramatically reduced. Other countries are coming out in the hopes of saving the economy. Are they doing the right thing? And how do the changes impact backpackers? Keep reading to find out more.

Coronavirus around the world

No one knows exactly what Coronavirus will bring in the coming days. Most people are hopeful for some positive changes. Many are also fearful of what will happen. There seems to be a massive divide among people right now. One side says the economy must open to avoid further damage. The other side says opening the economy will result in an exponentially increasing death toll. Both sides have some valid arguments.

I don’t have the answers to what we should do. But I know the extreme on either side will cause problems. I feel there needs to be a balance between both sides. People need to be able to earn money so that they can survive. However, making money is useless if you, your friends, or your family die from Coronavirus. Countries with a rising number of cases need to keep this in mind.

The countries that are seeing numbers decrease have an easier decision. It is safer for these countries to open since the risk of further spread is significantly reduced. Australia is one such country that can do this. The opening is a massive opportunity for the thousands of backpackers still in the country.

Backpackers in Australia

Most backpackers in Australia have not had any income in months. The only paid work that has been available to backpackers is farm work. Farm work has been a good option for those able to find a job, but demand has been much higher than the supply. Most people have been living on whatever money they had saved. They are hopeful for more job opportunities in the coming days.

Australia has a three-phase plan to reopen. Every state has some small variance, so the ones I will talk about relate to Queensland since that is where I am currently living. Phase one started almost two weeks ago with the opening of dining in for a maximum of 10 people in most places. Outdoor activities are also available with parks opened as long as groups are no more than ten people.

Phase two, set to begin on June 12th, sees very little change. The most significant change will be allowing up to 20 people instead of 10. Phase three will bring much more significant changes. Phase three will allow gatherings of up to 100 people. Bars and nightclubs will also begin to open. This phase is when backpackers will finally start to find more jobs. Phase three is subject to further planning and review but should start on July 10th.

Many backpackers in Australia have been struggling financially for months. Finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Only time will tell if this light is the bright future backpackers are looking to find. International borders will probably remain closed for an indefinite period of time. The closure means anyone wanting to visit Australia from overseas may be in for a long wait still.

Businesses are adapting

Shopping is much easier these days. Grocery stores have less trouble stocking shelves, and they have even removed product limits on most products. Toilet paper and pasta are now easy to find, and consumers can occasionally find hand sanitizer now as well. Some non-essential shops are also reopening and happily welcoming customers.

Restaurants are slowly opening as long as they can follow the ten-person limit. I expect that more restaurants will open during phase two. Unless a bar also operates as a restaurant, then they are remaining closed for now. Many bars are using this closed time to do some remodeling. They all want to look incredible for the day they reopen.

Some tour operators are also looking to reopen in the coming weeks. The smaller companies have an advantage right now since they can run with fewer guests. The larger companies are forces to wait until they can accommodate enough people.

This is the end of this post. Read more of my posts from the blog section. My next Coronavirus update will come after Phase Two begins. Stay safe and healthy during these difficult times!