We're already predicting some dictionary or other will have "social distancing" as its phrase (not word!) of the year for 2020.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
But, in the meantime, Canberra business GoBoats is cleverly capturing the zeitgeist and now marketing itself as social distancing in style.
GoBoats, the self-drive picnic boats on Lake Burley Griffin, limited to eight guests, is getting innovative in these difficult times, says owner Nick Tyrrell.
"We're now stepping up to provide a great place for people to escape the world, and follow the government's advice on avoiding large gatherings while still spending time with people close to them," he said.
"We are committed to making sure our guests can do their social distancing in style, and with confidence about their health."
READ MORE:
- How Canberra's restaurants want to feed us
- ACT government to announce $137m coronavirus stimulus package
- Pharmacists urge for calm as medication demand surges
- Police await advice on coronavirus concerns
- Canberra Times' own self-isolater sees best and worst of humanity
- Cafes move away from reusable coffee cups due to coronavirus
- Explainer: What happens if your international flight is cancelled
Guests can bring their own food and drinks from home, their favourite cafe or restaurant.
Since the COVID-19 crisis began affecting Australia, GoBoat has implemented precautionary measures including:
- Zero physical contact between GoBoat crew and guests at check-in and check-out;
- Contact points at check-in are regularly sanitised, including EFTPOS terminal;
- Contact points on boats sanitised before every booking;
- Strong crew hand-washing protocols;
- Free hand sanitiser is available to crew and guests.
"Given the ever-changing nature of the news around the coronavirus, our guests can feel confident planning ahead knowing we offer free cancellations up to 48 hours prior to their booking," Mr Tyrrell said.
GoBoat is located at Kingston Foreshore, and is open most days. To check availability, go to www.goboat.com.au/canberra.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.
