NSW Reopening: Health rules and information for small businesses
Businesses are required to keep their premises safe and minimise the risk of infection in the workplace.
The NSW Government has announced public health measures for business and individuals to come into force at the expected reopening date of Monday 11 October (following the achievement of the 70% vaccination target).
Vaccination compliance and obligations for businesses
Businesses will be responsible for taking reasonable measures to stop unvaccinated people entering premises. For example, having prominent signs stating requirements, Service NSW QR codes, staff checking vaccination status upon entry and only accepting valid forms of evidence of vaccination.
Authorised officers will monitor businesses re-opening, particularly those that have vaccination requirements, for example hospitality, retail, gyms, and personal services (e.g. hair, beauty).
For more information please click here
Changes to COVID measures for local government areas of concern
The NSW Government has announced that from 12.01am Monday 20 September, COVID restrictions in local government areas (LGAs) of concern will start to align with the rest of Greater Sydney.
Visit nsw.gov.au for the full list of eased restrictions.
Additional requirements for Greater Sydney authorised workers, such as a travel permits or routine COVID-19 testing, are still required for those needing to travel to LGAs of concern or more than 50 kilometres from Greater Sydney to work.
Get tested immediately if you have any COVID-19 symptoms. Wear a mask whenever you leave your home (except when exercising, eating or drinking), keep your distance from those you don’t live with, wash or sanitise your hands regularly and get vaccinated.
Vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our communities. Around 60% of people with COVID-19 are under 40, with some needing intensive care.
Everyone aged 12 years and over can get a COVID-19 vaccine. Speak to your local GP or pharmacist or visit nsw.gov.au to make a booking.
For more information about the rules and restrictions and what you can do to help stop the spread of COVID-19, visit nsw.gov.au.
Apply for the Test and Isolate support payment
f you need to self-isolate and are unable to work while waiting for your coronavirus (COVID-19) test result, you may be eligible for the COVID-19 Test and Isolate support payment.
NSW workers can apply for the $320 payment if they:
– meet the eligibility criteria
– agree to follow NSW Health self-isolation guidelines while waiting for their COVID-19 test result.
Applications are now open for tests taken on or after 13 August 2021. You’ll need to apply for the payment within 7 days of having the test.
Note: You are not able to apply for the payment at a Service NSW Centre.
Latest Covid-19 update for small businesses – Support Package
The NSW Government has announced an economic support package aimed at helping businesses affected by the current COVID-19 lockdown.
Key features of the package include:
- The business grants program announced two weeks ago has been expanded, with grants between $7500 and $15,000 soon to be available to eligible businesses with annual wages up to $10 million.
- A new grant program has been announced for smaller micro businesses with turnover between $30,000 and $75,000.
- A new business and employee support program will be delivered together with the Commonwealth to provide cashflow support to businesses to help them retain staff.
- Businesses will benefit from payroll tax waivers of 25 per cent for businesses with Australian wages of between $1.2 million and $10 million that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover.
- Commercial, retail and residential landlords liable for land tax will be eligible for a land tax concession where they reduce the rent of their tenant.
Further information will be available on the Service NSW website in the coming days: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses.
New COVID-19 compliance measures for venues
From Monday 12 July 2021, the use of the Service NSW QR code will be mandatory at additional workplaces and retail businesses.
Businesses will need to display the Service NSW QR code and take reasonable steps to ensure people entering their premises check-in using the Service NSW QR codes or digital sign-in sheet.
Businesses can find the application form and more information at https://www.nsw.gov.au/register-your-business-as-covid-safe.
View the media release: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/covid-check-mandate-expanded
Changes to COVID-19 restrictions: information for small businesses – UPDATED
The following COVID-19 restrictions for people in Sydney, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour regions are now in place until 12:01am 24 June.
A face mask must be worn in Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas when:
– using public transport, hire vehicles, taxis and rideshare services
– waiting for public transport at a bus or light rail stop, train station or ferry wharf.
A face mask must be worn in Sydney’s local government areas of Bayside, Canada Bay, Inner West, Randwick, City of Sydney, Waverley and Woollahra when indoors at:
– retail and business premises that provide goods and services to the public
– hospitality venues (front of house staff only)
– gaming rooms
– entertainment facilities
– places of worship
– residential aged care facilities (but not for residents).
For further updates on restrictions, visit the NSW Government website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw
Guidance for businesses with linked COVID-19 cases
Follow the link to find out what you need to do if a COVID-19 case has been linked to your business or organisation.
Covid Guidance for Businesses Link
Participate in UWS Research to Understand the Impacts of the Pandemic on Businesses
Dr Kathy Tannous and researchers at Western Sydney University School of Business are launching a project to understand the experiences and impacts of the coronavirus pandemic on businesses in the Western and Sydney regions and your business is invited to participate.
The survey takes less than 20 minutes and you will have access to a unique report with your results to thank you for participating.
With the data collected, we can better understand how the pandemic has impacted different businesses, both individually and collectively, and ensure we know what is needed to continue the recovery process into the future.
Please share with any other business you know that may want to access their free, individualised business report and contribute to our shared understanding of the true extent of the impacts experienced by businesses during this historic and challenging period.
To participate, please follow this link to our survey: http://tiny.cc/COVIDSURVEY
By sharing a few details of your own business experience you can contribute to the creation of meaningful information so that we can help more businesses to succeed.
COVID Safe update: Mandatory electronic check in
On 23 November, electronic check-in systems, such as a QR code or web form, that record customers’ names and contact information became mandatory for most businesses in NSW.
All businesses who have registered as COVID Safe with NSW Government have access to the free COVID Safe Check-in which allows customers to check-in via a QR code through the Service NSW app.
To find out more about the COVID Safe Check-in and how to register your business please click button below.
Staying up to date and COVID Safe
How often are you reviewing your COVID safety plan?
Did you know that Gyms and hospitality venues such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes need a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal as part of their safety plan?
Stay up to date with any changes to covid safe protocols and avoid being fined.
Stay up to date click here
