Wales is in the first week of a firebreak lockdown that has seen thousands of businesses forced to close their doors for 17 days.
The short, sharp measures are designed to stem a rising number of Covid-19 cases in Wales as the second wave hits Europe.
Many businesses now want to know what the post-firebreak future holds and the type of restrictions that will be in place.
This is particularly crucial to tourism and hospitality firms as a return to pre-firebreak measures like the ban on entering or leaving locked down counties would mean many businesses won鈥檛 be able to operate until 2021.
Welsh Government have not yet revealed their full plan for after the firebreak but have said they will go to national restrictions rather than a localised approach.
They have been urged to give as much time as possible for businesses to prepare - with lockdown ending on November 9.
Ian Price, CBI Wales director, said: 鈥淧ublic health and the health of the economy are two sides of the same coin. A clear and consistent approach that has the confidence of both business and the public will give us the best chance for strong tail end to Q4.
鈥淭he Welsh Government鈥檚 support for business has successfully provided targeted additional support to firms in Wales above that enjoyed by equivalent firms in England.
鈥淎s we emerge from the firebreak we need an approach that provides flexibility within a framework. Success depends on empowering regional and local public health teams to effectively monitor the virus and take early action when required. For eastern regions of our nation, an approach that is synergistic with their cross-border neighbours in England would simplify the current patchwork approach.
鈥淲e are working with our member companies to develop specific measures which we will then share with government. One proposal we are considering is asking Welsh Government to do more to support firms who wish to purchase their own on-site testing equipment.
鈥淪uch equipment would take the pressure of the public testing system and, by working with government, we ensure the same rigorous standards and protections would be provided.
鈥淔inally, due to the strong impact on the R-rate, inclusive and equitable hybrid working should continue to be encouraged and supported for those employees that wish to do so. 鈥
The Welsh Tourism Alliance has published a 12 point plan to reopen safely.
Vice chair Jim Jones said: 鈥淏usinesses have been strong in their call for the publication of a clear exit strategy. Uncertainty is crippling the sector, causing a complete paralysis of planning and scheduling activities.
鈥淲elsh Government must provide information as to their intentions and strategy to manage the virus with approximate timescales at the very earliest opportunity. There must be an end to the pattern of 鈥榮top/start鈥 announcements.
鈥淢any businesses, particularly those in remote areas of Wales, with low infection rates, can see no justification in imposing blanket shutdowns 鈥 and call for a more balanced and micro managed approach to addressing health risks.鈥
Ben Francis, FSB Wales Policy Chair, said: 鈥淗ow we reopen and rebuild after the firebreak will have a huge and lasting impact on Wales鈥 economy.
鈥淲e have to get it right. Businesses need to be empowered to reopen with confidence on the 9th of November, and supported to do so safely and sustainably.
鈥淭he key for the thousands of businesses that are currently closed is that they are able to reopen swiftly and make the most of the run-up to Christmas.
鈥淏usinesses will need to have guidance from Welsh Government so that they understand what they can and cannot do.
鈥淚n order to do this, Welsh Government must work closely with business organisations to develop a new strategy for dealing with coronavirus that enables businesses to plan. If restrictions will continue to be part of life for Wales鈥 businesses, then financial support will need to be delivered concurrently.鈥
Mike Learmond, FSB North Wales Senior Development Manager, added: 鈥淚n North Wales, we hope to see more support for the tourism and hospitality industries that have already suffered some of the biggest adverse effects of the pandemic.
鈥淔SB has been calling for a Tourism Hibernation Fund to provide a mix of grant and loan funding to support those businesses through a difficult winter and back into spring which will hopefully support those firms who have already made it through such tough circumstances during the year.
Sign up to the BusinessLive Wales newsletter and follow us on LinkedIn
As well as an in-depth early morning newsletter, we will be sending out regular breaking news email alerts. To sign up to this service
And, follow us on to catch the latest stories and to network with the Welsh business community.
鈥淲hilst we are still in the firebreak lockdown, I would urge everyone to think about how they can safely support local businesses. Whether that鈥檚 by ordering a takeaway, shopping online or simply sharing a small firms鈥 posts on social media. The difference you will make is huge.鈥
Bangor University economics lecturer Dr Edward Jones, who works in the university鈥檚 renowned Business School, said: 鈥淭oday, politicians and policy makers must make difficult choices with imperfect information.
鈥淢easures needed to contain the virus 鈥 including self-isolation by workers and consumers, closure of factories and shops, and bans on sports and entertainment activities 鈥 each take their toll. The advice that health experts are giving to decision makers poses an immediate threat to the economy. I believe there are three priorities for the Welsh Government:
鈥淭he first and most obvious priority is to save lives.
鈥淭he second priority is to protect the economy. Because there is a collapse in demand, the responsibility to protect economy must fall on the government.
鈥淭he third priority is to prepare for the recovery. Covid-19 is going to end some way. This means securing the future of the workforce and companies, particularly of the SMEs that play such an important role Wales, so that they are ready to meet the demand that will someday return.鈥
