ABS survey shows ‘arts and recreation’ businesses as being hardest hit by Coronavirus pandemic

Newly released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that the sector it defines as ‘Arts and Recreation’ has been the hardest hit by the Coronavirus pandemic with more than half (53%) of businesses ceasing to operate in the past month.

Data from the new ABS Business Impacts of COVID-19 Survey released this week shows how Coronavirus restrictions on arts and recreation businesses as being greater that the two other industry groups most impacted to date - Accommodation and Food Services (35% closures) and Information Media and Telecommunications (31% forced to shut down).

The devastating impact on these sectors is clear given the ABS found overall, 90% of Australian businesses reported that they were operating in the week commencing 30th March.

The ABS' classification of arts and recreation includes: creative and performing arts activities; fitness, recreation and sport activities; gambling activities; and heritage activities. It does not include tourism.  

Click here to link to ABS full report Business Impacts of COVID-19 Survey (updated 4th May 2020).

Click here to view the ABS link to the full suite of additional reports to measure the impact of COVID-19.