October 10 - 16, 2021: Issue 513

 

Covid Safety Update: Ready, Set, Go: NSW Prepares To Re-Open, NSW on the road to reopening, New Hardship Panel To Provide More Businesses With COVID-19 Financial Support, Booster Shot For Severely Immunocompromised Australians

Covid-19 Testing Clinic at Avalon Bowling Club carpark. 

Ready, set, go: NSW prepares to re-open

October 10, 2021 - The Premier, Minister for Health and Medical Research, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Minister for Digital, Minister for Customer Service

After more than 100 days of restrictions NSW will tomorrow take its first steps back to normal life.

Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as we prepare to safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.

Businesses will open to customers on Monday, 11 October, with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said tomorrow is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.

“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors tomorrow. NSW you’ve earned this.” Mr Perrottet said.

“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.

“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.

“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open.

“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.

“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”

Digital and Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello encouraged people to have their vaccination status ready to go.

“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia," Mr Dominello said

"We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.

“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”

Businesses can find all the resources that they need to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap here: COVID Safe business | NSW Government.

To find out how to download a copy of your vaccination certificate visit Services Australia website.

If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.

For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages.

View the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions.

NSW on the road to reopening

October 7, 2021

NSW will take its first steps towards reopening as the State passes the 70% double vaccination target.

With the first vaccination milestone being reached, the NSW Government is also easing a number of restrictions as part of the Reopening NSW roadmap, which will allow fully vaccinated adults to enjoy more freedoms from next Monday, October 11.

The changes to the 70% roadmap will allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five), lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20), and increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50).  

Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities. 

On the Monday after the State clears the 80% double vaccination hurdle further restrictions will be relaxed, with people able to have up to 20 visitors (excluding children 12 and under) to a home (previously 10), and up to 50 people will be allowed to gather outdoors (previously 20). 

Up to 3,000 people will be allowed to attend controlled and ticketed outdoor events (previously 500), nightclubs will be permitted to reopen for seated drinking only (no dancing), and masks will no longer be required in office buildings. All roadmap freedoms at 70% and 80% will continue to be for fully vaccinated people only.

All school students will also now return to on site learning with a range of COVID-safe measures in place by October 25, with the second and third stages of the return to school plan now combined. Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will still return to face-to-face learning on October 18, with all other years now returning one week later on October 25. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the common-sense changes would help life return to normal as soon as possible. 

“Vaccinations are the key to life returning to normal and the changes today will help family and friends reconnect, get kids back to school and get businesses back up and running sooner,” Mr Perrottet said.

“NSW is putting in the hard yards and it’s important people continue to turn out in droves to be vaccinated.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose. 

Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.

“This move ensures we get businesses in the regions re-open and local economies buzzing again. It's about ensuring we make this a roadmap that works for everyone,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said these changes would help get more people back into work, especially in Western Sydney.

“We’re on the road back to normal and most importantly reaching these vaccination targets means people can reunite with family and friends, celebrate key moments in their lives and businesses can open their doors and get back to work in a safe way,” Mr Ayres said. 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW residents 12-years-old and over have led the charge to get vaccinated and ensure NSW is among the safest places in the world.

“Getting to 70% double dose is a badge of honour for every fully vaccinated NSW citizen to wear proudly but we can do so much more and 90% is within our grasp,” Mr Hazzard said.

Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said schools were ready to welcome students back.

“The return remains safe and sensible with enough time for schools to prepare for a faster return of students over two weeks instead of three,” Ms Mitchell said.

“Principals have received detailed guidance and checklists of everything required to ensure COVID-safe settings in their school. Parents and carers will also receive a detailed guide today and more specific information from their school in the coming days.”

If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible.

Note also that as the stay-at-home orders will be lifted next Monday and replaced by the roadmap settings, the list of Local Government Areas of concern will cease to exist. 

For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.

Greater freedoms for fully vaccinated people

From the Monday 11 October 2021, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have:

  • 10-visitor limit in your home
  • access Gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities
  • group bookings of up to 20 people in hospitality settings.

All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.

People under the age of 16 who are not fully vaccinated are allowed unaccompanied in their workplaces and all outdoor settings, but must be with a fully vaccinated member of their household in hospitality venues (unless collecting takeaways), entertainment facilities,

major recreation facilities and places of worship, unless they work at the venue.

Workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from 11 October 2021 and will be given a grace period until 1 November 2021 to receive their second dose.

80 PER CENT ROADMAP

Under the Reopening NSW roadmap at 80 per cent, the following freedoms will apply only to fully vaccinated adults (16+) and those with medical exemptions (staff and patrons).

Gatherings in the home and outdoor public spaces

  • Up to 10 visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under)
  • Up to 20 people can continue to gather in unregulated outdoor settings
  • Up to 200 people can attend COVID Safe events
  • Up to 500 people can attend controlled (ticketed and seated) events
  • Community sport permitted
  • Those who are not fully vaccinated may only gather outdoors in groups of 2 people.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms

  • Retail stores can operate at one person per 4 sqm (those who are not fully vaccinated will continue to only have access to non-critical retail via click-and collect)
  • Personal services such as hairdressers, spa, nail, beauty, waxing, tattoo and massage) can operate with one person per 4 sqm (uncapped)
  • Hospitality venues can operate with one person per 4 sqm inside and one person per 2 sqm outside, with the requirement to be seated while drinking indoors removed. Group bookings will be limited to 20 people. Those who are not fully vaccinated can only access hospitality settings for takeaway
  • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities (excluding indoor pools) can operate with one person per 4sqm, capped at 20 people per class.

Major outdoor recreation facilities

  • Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can operate with one person per 4 sqm, capped at 5,000 people (or by exemption).

Entertainment, information and education facilities

  • Entertainment facilities (including cinemas, theatres, music halls) can operate with one person per 4 sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity (whichever is larger)
  • Information and education facilities (including libraries, galleries and museums) can operate with one person per 4 sqm
  • Amusement centres and nightclubs will remain closed.

Working from home

  • Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home, if reasonably practicable
  • Employers must require employees who are not fully vaccinated to work from home, if reasonably practicable.

Education

  • Return to school with COVID Safe measures on 25 October (as previously announced).

Weddings, funerals and places of worship

  • One person per 4sqm (uncapped) for weddings with dancing permitted and eating and drinking allowed while standing. Those who are not fully vaccinated may only attend weddings with a maximum of 5 guests (no receptions)
  • One person per 4 sqm (uncapped) for funerals. Those who are not fully vaccinated may only attend funerals with a maximum of 10 people
  • Churches and places of worship can continue to open with one person per 4 sqm, with no singing. Those who are not fully vaccinated will be allowed.

Travel

  • Unrestricted trips between Greater Sydney and Regional NSW will be permitted
  • Caravan parks and camping grounds can operate, including for those who are not fully vaccinated
  • Carpooling is permitted. Those who are not fully vaccinated can only carpool with their household.

Masks

  • Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor premises and settings, except children under 12
  • Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask while outdoors

CHANGES FROM 1 DECEMBER 2021

On Wednesday 1 December 2021, the following settings will apply to all NSW citizens, regardless of their vaccination status:

Gatherings in the home and outdoor public spaces

  • No limit on the number of visitors to a home
  • Density will shift to one person per 2 sqm for indoor and outdoor settings
  • No limit on the number of people who can attend informal outdoor gatherings
  • COVID Safe plan required for outdoor events with more than 1,000 people
  • Community sport permitted for all people.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms

  • Retail stores can operate at one person per 2 sqm
  • Personal services such as hairdressers, spa, nail, beauty, waxing, tattoo and massage can operate with one person per 2 sqm
  • Hospitality venues can operate with one person per 2 sqm inside and outside, with no seating required for eating and drinking
  • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities, including indoor pools, can operate with one person per 2 sqm (uncapped)
  • Intimate services can open with one person per 4 sqm

Major outdoor recreation facilities

  • Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can operate with one person per 2 sqm.

Entertainment, information and education facilities

  • Entertainment facilities (including cinemas, theatres, music halls) can operate with one person per 2 sqm
  • Information and education facilities (including libraries, museums and galleries) can operate with one person per 2 sqm
  • Amusement centres and nightclubs can open with one person per 4 sqm.

Working from home

  • Working from home will be at employer’s discretion.

Education

  • All year groups return to face-to-face learning.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship

  • One person per 2 sqm for weddings with dancing permitted and eating and drinking allowed while standing
  • One person per 2 sqm for funerals
  • Churches and places of worship can operate with one person per 2 sqm, with singing permitted.

Travel

  • Domestic travel, including trips between Greater Sydney and Regional NSW
  • Caravan parks and camping grounds can operate
  • Carpooling is permitted
  • Quarantine settings for vaccinated arrivals will be altered. A cap on unvaccinated travellers may remain.

Masks

  • Masks wearing will be mandatory while travelling on public transport, on planes and at airports, and for front-of-house hospitality workers
  • Mask wearing is not required when outdoors.

For further information about the Reopening NSW roadmap, go to www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19.

New hardship panel to provide more businesses with COVID-19 financial support

October 6, 2021

A new Hardship Review Panel has been established to consider financial support for businesses experiencing financial hardship that do not qualify for COVID-19 business support measures.

The panel will assess on a case-by-case basis businesses which did not meet the eligibility requirements for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, Micro-business Grant and JobSaver payments.

Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Review Panel would help those businesses experiencing genuine financial hardship that were previously ineligible for support payments and grants.

“COVID-19 has affected so many businesses in NSW and even though we have a number of support measures in place, there are still some businesses under severe financial strain that aren’t eligible for assistance for a number of reasons. We want to plug that gap as much as we can,” Mr Tudehope said.

The Review Panel will include representatives from Revenue NSW, NSW Treasury and Service NSW and will make recommendations on businesses’ eligibility for relevant support payments and grants. 

It will consider a broad range of factors in determining whether a business has experienced financial hardship, with the Chief Commissioner of Revenue NSW to be ultimately responsible and make the final determination for applications.

“My message to small businesses is this – no matter what corner of the state you're in, we will be there with you all the way as we navigate this global health pandemic,” Mr Tudehope said.

Factors that the hardship panel will consider include, for example, whether the business is an employer, in a highly impacted industry, in an LGA of concern or has unavoidable costs for which no other support is available.

Businesses will be back paid to the fortnight where they can demonstrate the required decline in turnover with the Panel. Hardship applications for JobSaver are now open with hardship COVID business grants and Microbusiness grants to open later this month. More information about hardship applications are available here: 
www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/covid-19-help-businesses/covid-19-business-support-hardship-review

Booster Shot For Severely Immunocompromised Australians

October 8, 2021
From next week Australians who are severely immunocompromised will be offered the option to receive a third COVID-19 vaccine dose to boost their protection against COVID-19 to the highest level.

This follows advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other leading vaccination and health experts.

Minister for Health and Aged Care, Greg Hunt, said research showed that some people who are severely immunocompromised may need a third dose of COVID-19 vaccine to maximise protection.

“Australians who are severely immunocompromised may have a decreased immune response to a COVID-19 vaccination and be more at risk from severe COVID-19. An additional booster dose for this specific cohort will ensure they continue to be protected,” Minister Hunt said.

“If you or someone in your family are severely immunocompromised, we encourage you to reach out to your GP or specialist to discuss whether an additional dose is required.”

It is expected that up to approximately 500,000 people are severely immunocompromised in Australia and may need a third dose of vaccine over the coming months. This includes people who are being actively treated for cancer, organ failure, or being treated with a range of immunosuppressive or biologic therapies.

The recommended interval for the third dose is two to six months after their second dose of vaccine. ATAGI’s advice is that an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) is the preferred option for a third dose.

Importantly, Australians who are mildly to moderately immunocompromised are not currently being recommended by ATAGI to have a third dose at this stage.

While vaccines are our best defence against COVID-19, Australians are reminded to continue implementing other safety measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus. Physical distancing, hand washing, wearing a face mask, and following other public health measures continue to be important for public safety.

The Government expects to receive advice from the Therapeutic Goods Administration and ATAGI within the coming weeks about the administration of booster doses for the general population. Advice on booster doses will be made public as soon as possible.

With over 151 million Pfizer, Novavax and Moderna vaccines already secured for supply into the future, Australia is well prepared to provide booster doses if they are recommended by the medical experts.

In October, there are sufficient doses available to offer every Australian a first or second dose vaccination. Around two million vaccinations are now being administered each week in Australia. To date, nearly 82 per cent of the population over the age of 16 has received one vaccine dose, and more than 60 per cent are fully vaccinated.

To book a COVID-19 vaccination today, visit https://www.australia.gov.au/

This recommendation from ATAGI applies to all individuals aged >12 years who are severely immunocompromised, as defined in the statement from ATAGI which can be found on the Department of Health Website.