The second spike in Covid-19 infections in Australia is playing havoc with the coin machine industry.
With one state after another closing its borders with its neighbours, a national economy that was showing improvement has hit the buffers since July 24 when Queensland closed its border with New South Wales.
In addition, the Queensland Government’s health department decided to ban all coin-operated machines located in shopping centres. With over 300 shopping centres of all sizes, with cranes, kiddie rides, vending machines, weighing scales, sweet dispensers and other equipment, it has been calculated that around 250,000 pieces of equipment have been switched off. For some reason, snack and drinks venders have not been included in the ban.
Victoria has also gone into lockdown, with millions of people banned from all but the most essential movement.
Current estimates show that around 250,000 in Victoria alone have been laid off on a permanent basis with a similar impact on Queensland. And now, New South Wales has ruled anyone entering the state from Victoria must go into hotel quarantine for 14 days at their own expense.
Financial support for individuals and businesses has been extended for another six months, but many fear that it may not be enough. National unemployment figures fell from 14 per cent to 11 per cent over the previous three months, but have since risen to 14 again.
