COVID Restrictions – Reopening Road Map Update

In the coming weeks the NSW Government is planning to announce a further easing of COVID-19 restrictions once 95% double dose vaccination is reached or by the 15 December 2021, whichever comes first. What does this mean for your business?

The following rules will apply once the milestone is reached.

• Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated (previously all indoors front-of-house hospitality staff regardless of vaccination status).
• Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot socially distance.
• No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm).
• COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.
• QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.
• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion).
• Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

For further detailed information in relation to re-opening in December please visit nsw.gov.au.

Rapid Antigen Testing – Update advice

Your business can use rapid antigen testing as an additional tool to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. NSW Health is advising businesses that rapid antigen testing should only be used for employees who do not have COVID-19 symptoms. While rapid antigen testing is a quick way to detect COVID-19, if workers have even mild symptoms, they should instead get a PCR test (nose and throat swab) at a NSW testing clinic and self-isolate until a negative result is received. They should not attend the workplace with any COVID-19 symptoms.

To further support businesses in correctly using and distributing rapid antigen testing, we have linked the following resources:

For businesses using rapid antigen testing for employees attending worksites, an updated simplified fact sheet is now available.

For businesses that sell or distribute rapid antigen testing including retail stores, pharmacies and supermarkets, a new poster and other point-of-sale material can be downloaded.