The Premier of NSW has announced a raft of new COVID-19 related restrictions which apply across NSW. A curfew and other restrictions will be introduced in LGAs of concern.
Shellharbour and Central Coast LGAs will likely be removed from the list of LGAs of concern, however we will await the release of the Public Health Orders before confirming dates, etc.
Curfews will be introduced from 9:00PM until 5:00AM (except for authorised workers, emergencies or medical care) in LGAs of concern from 23 August.
From 23 August, restrictions will be eased for workers from Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs. They will no longer have to be tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA. However, the following restrictions will apply:
Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their work-site or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August (It is unlikely that rapid antigen tests will be available to small businesses such as Newsagencies).
From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW.
Mask wearing will be mandatory across NSW when outside your home, except when exercising from 23 August until 28 August.
A copy of the statement from the Premier can be found HERE.
NANA will review the issuing of the Public Health Orders (normally late at night) and release the latest Orders as they are promulgated over the weekend.
NANA is already working with Service NSW on permits for authorised workers and the roles and responsibilities of Newsagents as employers in relation to the employment of workers from LGAs of concern.
NANA will issue information on permits and any other requirements which arise from the new Public Health Orders as they become available.
All Newsagents in both NSW and ACT MUST act to ensure compliance with orders
NANA has worked tirelessly to keep Newsagencies on the exemption list of businesses in retail which are able to continue to trade. To protect that position, Newsagents MUST ensure that all requirements are met – face masks, social distancing, QR code check-ins, etc. Stationery businesses are now being forced to close. Do not assume the exemption which has been secured for Newsagents will continue without challenge. NANA’s ability to protect Newsagents will be determined by how Newsagents act and support all Public Health Order requirements.
NANA will continue to work with and for the benefit of Members over the weekend. If, in the meantime you need to discuss any matter from the latest restrictions, please contact NANA on 1300 113 044 or by email to nana@nana.com.au. NANA staff will be available over the weekend to respond to any enquiry from a Member.
Plan NOW for the worst so you are able to respond to protect your business
Newsagents MUST act now to plan for all eventualities. Plan for what you will do if you are forced to close, either for a short or extended period due to a COVID exposure. Do you have remote access to your computer systems? Do you have a business continuity plan? Do you have access to other staff in the event of a forced isolation due to an exposure? Are you separating staff to ensure there is a gap between shifts and no overlap? NANA can assist to work out plans to avoid the risks of exposure across your staff.
NANA will continue to work with and for the benefit of Members over the weekend. If, in the meantime you need to discuss any matter from the latest restrictions, please contact NANA on 1300 113 044 or by email to nana@nana.com.au. NANA staff will be available over the weekend to respond to any enquiry from a Member.
