Pittwater Online News

Stay-At Home Safety Measures Extended until august 28th - JobSaver Boost - Construction Workers: Issue 504 Update

Certainty for the community as restrictions adjusted and vaccines ramped up

Published: July 28 2021 

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health and Medical Research, Deputy Premier, Treasurer

Given low vaccination rates, the current stay at home orders will remain in place for another four weeks (until Saturday, 28 August at 12.01am) across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour.

This extra time will allow NSW residents to significantly increase the uptake of vaccines in areas most affected by the current outbreak and across the state.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said higher vaccination rates and following the health orders are the only way to guarantee the further easing of restrictions.

“Though the Pfizer supply is insufficient there is plenty of AstraZeneca, and updated federal health advice recommends anyone aged 18 and over in Greater Sydney should access the jab,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can, especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”

Other restriction changes are as follows:

From midnight  (28 July):

• In line with exercise rules, Greater Sydney residents including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour must limit their shopping to within their Local Government Area (LGA) or, if outside their LGA, within 10km from home, unless the item is not available locally.
• Given localised case numbers, the Parramatta, Campbelltown and Georges River LGAs will join the five existing LGAs of concern which are subject to an Authorised Workers Order. Only authorised workers in these eight LGAs may leave their LGA for work. 
• The five previously announced LGAs of concern are Canterbury-Bankstown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Blacktown and Cumberland.

From 12.01am, Saturday, 31 July:

• Construction in non-occupied settings outside of the LGAs of concern (with no residents on-site) will re-open as planned, subject to a one person per 4sqm rule. These low-risk construction sites must have COVID safe plans in place, compliance will be strictly enforced. Construction cannot resume in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will construction workers be allowed to leave these areas.
• Trades people, including cleaners who are able to work with zero contact with residents will also be allowed to resume (no more than two people inside and five outside). If contactless arrangements are not possible, work cannot go ahead. This work will not be allowed in the eight LGAs of concern, nor will workers be allowed to leave these areas.
• A singles bubble will also be introduced, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. Restrictions will apply for people in the LGAs of concern.

Changes to surveillance testing (enforceable from Saturday, 31 July): 

• All authorised workers from Canterbury-Bankstown LGA must get tested once every three days in order to leave their LGA for work. 
• People who live in the Fairfield and Cumberland LGAs but work outside these areas as health or aged care workers (including support services for health or aged care, such as cleaners, cooks and security providers) must be tested once every three days in order to be allowed to go to work outside their LGA.   
• These surveillance testing requirements will be enforceable from Saturday, 31 July. However, relevant workers will have from today to get their first test.   

Year 12 students are also set to return to face-to-face learning on Monday, 16 August, with the Government finalising plans for the resumption of in-class study under strict COVID protocols.

The NSW Government is also working with industry and the Department of Education to introduce Rapid Antigen Testing to mitigate against outbreaks in workplaces and schools.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said restrictions in regional NSW will remain unchanged. 

“The lockdown in Greater Sydney and every measure and precaution we implement is not only for the residents of Sydney but to protect regional NSW and to prevent the virus reaching our regional communities,” Mr Barilaro said.

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet welcomed the Commonwealth Government’s commitment to provide additional support for those hardest hit during this pandemic.

“Working with our federal counterparts we are providing extra support to ensure the businesses and people who have been hit hardest by this pandemic get the financial assistance they need to get through this crisis and back on the path to recovery,” Mr Perrottet said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said though the stay-at-home restrictions are difficult for the community this is a critical time if we are to suppress the outbreak.

“The vast majority of the community has been absolutely fantastic to date and have followed the public health advice. Though we are easing some restrictions today we need people to redouble their efforts as we continue to battle the Delta variant in the coming weeks,” Mr Hazzard said.

“We need people to stay at home unless absolutely necessary to leave and the best reason for most people to leave home right now is to get vaccinated. In doing so, you are taking a vital step to protect yourself, your loved ones and the community.”

For the latest information visit COVID-19: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Major JobSaver boost to expand COVID-19 support

Published: 28 Jul 2021  Released by: The Premier, Treasurer

The joint NSW Government and Commonwealth JobSaver program will be significantly boosted to give greater support to businesses and individuals impacted by the extended lockdown. 

JobSaver payments will now be available to businesses with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $250 million, up from $50 million, which have experienced a revenue decline of 30 per cent or more.

The maximum weekly payment has also been substantially increased, with employing businesses that maintain their employee headcount now able receive between $1500 and $100,000 per week, up from $10,000, with payments based on 40 per cent of their weekly NSW payroll. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the additional support would help deliver businesses and individuals the financial assistance needed during the necessary extension of the lockdown.

“We know these restrictions are tough but necessary to get the current situation under control and that is why we are coming to the table to help businesses and individuals with more financial support,” Ms Berejiklian said. 

“We don’t want people to have to worry about how they are going to keep the lights on or reopen their businesses when restrictions ease, which is why we are investing billions to give people that piece of mind.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said this latest round of assistance continued to build on the NSW Government’s COVID-19 support measures, with billions now committed, including the $4.1 billion announced earlier this month.

“We know that keeping workers in jobs is critical, which is why we’ve fought hard to secure additional support to help businesses hold onto their staff,” Mr Perrottet said.  

“We appreciate how difficult it is for businesses right now, and we are also prioritising getting money out the door and into pockets as fast as possible.”

Applications for JobSaver opened on Monday with more than 14,000 applications already received and almost $28 million approved for payment so far. Payments are expected to start hitting bank accounts from 31 July.

Businesses can expect to receive funds in their accounts within five to ten business days from their approval date, and the arrangements announced today will be backdated, so businesses that have already received a first payment on previous settings will be topped up when their next payment is made.  

JobSaver payments are available from week four of the lockdown. Non-employing business remain eligible for a maximum of $1000 per week.

Businesses have also received much needed support from the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant to cover the first three weeks of lockdown, with more than $118 million paid to businesses so far from more than 56,000 applications received. 

For more information visit 2021 COVID-19 Support Package: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/2021-covid-19-support-package

Support for individuals impacted by the current COVID-19 restrictions and stay-at-home orders is also available through Services Australia: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19/payments-and-services-during-coronavirus

Face masks

In Greater Sydney, when you leave home, you must carry a face mask with you at all times. On Thursday July 29th the NSW State Government changed the fine from $200 to $500. The NSW Police have also now been given powers to shut down any business or public space where the rules are not followed.

You must wear a face mask:

• in all indoor areas of non-residential premises
• at certain outdoor gatherings
• if you are on public transport
• in a major recreation facility such as a stadium
• if you are working in a hospitality venue
• in indoor and outdoor areas of construction sites, except when an exemption applies such as when
• wearing a face mask creates a safety issue or
• there is a worksite emergency
• when working in an outdoor area.

Face masks must be worn at indoor or outdoor areas of a fresh food market including: 

• Sydney Markets at Flemington Markets
• Sydney Fish Markets. 

Common indoor areas in residential buildings

You must wear a fitted face mask when you are in an indoor area of common property in a residential building that is;

• strata titled
• community titled or
• company titled.

You do not need to wear a mask inside your own apartment.

Common areas where you must wear a mask include;

• a shared foyer or lobby of an apartment block
• lifts, stairwells and corridors
• shared laundry facilities.

Masks must be worn by anyone entering including;

• residents and visitors
• building managers, concierge staff and cleaners
• people providing goods and services including tradespeople and contractors
• people delivering food, mail and parcels. 

Learn more about face mask rules. 

NSW Health update: Wednesday July 28, 2021

NSW recorded 177 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 

Of these locally acquired cases, 74 are linked to a known case or cluster – 60 are household contacts and 14 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 103 cases is under investigation.

Forty-seven cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 22 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Forty-six cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 62 cases remains under investigation.

No new cases were acquired overseas in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 8,105.

There have been 2,574 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported.   

Sadly, NSW Health has been notified of a COVID-19-related death, a woman in her 90s, who died yesterday at Liverpool Hospital. NSW Health extends its sincere condolences to her family and friends. 

This is the 11th COVID-19 related death during the current outbreak.

There are currently 165 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 56 people in intensive care, 22 of whom require ventilation.

There were 94,532 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 84,486.

NSW Health administered 25,375 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 7,686 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park. 

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 3,575,052 with 1,395,881 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 2,179,171 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11:59pm on Monday 26 July 2021.

Of the 177 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 90 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 46 are from Western Sydney LHD, 20 are from Sydney LHD, 15 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, three are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, two are from Northern Sydney LHD, and one is from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD.

Stay-at-home orders that were in place in the Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council areas were lifted, as scheduled, at 12.01am Wednesday 28 July.

There has been no further transmission of COVID-19 detected in these three local government areas since the case notified on 20 July. 

Orange City Council, Blayney Shire Council, and Cabonne Shire Council will revert to the same restrictions as the rest of regional NSW from today (Wednesday).

NSW Health thanks people in these local communities for their co-operation and patience during the stay-at-home restrictions for the past week.

As the outbreak continues across Sydney, it is vital people in Greater Sydney and throughout NSW continue to come forward for testing at the first sign of even mild symptoms.

NSW Health continues to urge everyone throughout NSW, to get tested immediately if they have even the mildest of symptoms and isolate until they receive a negative result. High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.

If you are directed to get tested for COVID 19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.

It remains vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is a close or casual contact of a person with COVID-19, isolates and is tested immediately. When testing clinics are busy, please ensure you stay in line, identify yourself to staff and tell them that you have symptoms or are a contact of a case.

Please check the NSW Government website regularly, and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a public transport route at the same time as a confirmed case of COVID-19. This list is being updated regularly as case investigations proceed.

There are more than 410 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/clinics or contact your GP.

New powers, new fines as police crack down on non-compliance

Thursday July 29, 2021

Enhanced police powers and tighter new rules will spearhead the enforcement response launched against the few people who refuse to do the right thing during a global pandemic. 

A new high-visibility policing operation has been launched to assist the state’s health strategy to tackle the further spread of the COVID-19 Delta strain. 

Thousands of police officers will be deployed across Greater Sydney from the Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command and general duties to enforce the following new rules as well as protect the wider community from the selfish and unauthorised behaviour of a small number of individuals.

• New powers have been granted to the NSW Police Commissioner to shut down businesses, construction sites and public premises where there is a risk to public health; and
• The penalty for not wearing a mask where required will be increased from $200 to $500.

From 12.01am on Friday, 30 July 2021, residents of the eight Local Government Areas of concern (Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool and Parramatta) will be subject to new exercise, mask and shopping rules. These rules will only be applied to any LGA that is determined to be of concern now and into the future: 

• Exercise, outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits must be done within 5kms of the person’s home;
• Individuals cannot travel more than 5kms from home for shopping, unless the goods or services are not readily available in that area; and
• Masks must be worn at all times outside the home regardless of proximity to others.

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott said the new restrictions follow a call from the vast majority in the community who are doing the right thing by complying with the Public Health Orders. 

“The time for warnings is over. I know 99 per cent of the population are furious with the minority who continue to disregard the health orders and put the safety and livelihoods of families at risk,” Mr Elliott said. 

“Crime Stoppers received more than 15,000 calls and reports providing information following last weekend’s illegal protest. Police made it clear from the start, they want to educate – not fine – members of the community but the 15,000 calls to Crime Stoppers is a clear message to the Government that the community expects action. 

“If we all work together, these new rules have the potential to stop the spread of the virus and save lives.” 

NSW Police Commissioner Michael Fuller APM said police will significantly ramp up compliance activities with officers performing an extra 1000 shifts throughout the next week. 

“These officers will be out in force across the Greater Sydney footprint conducting high-visibility proactive patrols and compliance checks, and responding to all Crime Stoppers reports,” Commissioner Fuller said. 

“The stronger powers and police presence are about getting us out of lockdown sooner.” 

For the latest information visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19. 

To report individuals or businesses in contravention of a public health order visit http://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au

Commissioner confirms formal request for ADF assistance

Thursday, 29 July 2021 

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has confirmed he has made a formal request to the federal government for Australian Defence Force (ADF) assistance with the ongoing COVID-19 compliance operation.

The NSW Police Force is significantly expanding its enforcement activities in Sydney over the coming days and has requested 300 ADF personnel to boost its operational footprint.

Commissioner Fuller said the NSW Police Force and the ADF had forged a close relationship throughout the pandemic.

“The assistance of the ADF has been essential over the past 18 months – particularly during last year’s border operation, the ongoing hotel quarantine operation and the assistance provided with logistics support in the Police Operations Centre,” Commissioner Fuller said.

“With an increase in enforcement activity over the coming week, I have now made a formal request to the Prime Minister for ADF personnel to assist with that operation.

“I would like to thank the Prime Minister for his ongoing support.”

Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott welcomed the request for assistance.

“There is a longstanding and highly-professional relationship between the NSW Police Force and the ADF,” Mr Elliott said.

“As I have said previously, support from the Army will add another line of defence to the NSW Government’s crackdown on COVID-19 compliance.

“The Army’s unique skills and training have combined many times with those of our police officers to serve the people of NSW in times of crisis, such as the floods and severe bushfires we’ve experienced in recent years.

“This will be a functional, effective and dynamic team to fight this pandemic.”

NSW Health Update: Saturday July 31, 2021

NSW recorded 210 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. 

Of these locally acquired cases, 88 are linked to a known case or cluster – 74 are household contacts and 14 are close contacts – and the source of infection for 122 cases is under investigation.

Fifty-eight cases were in isolation throughout their infectious period and 11 cases were in isolation for part of their infectious period. Twenty-one cases were infectious in the community, and the isolation status of 120 cases remains under investigation.

Two new cases were acquired overseas in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is now 8,725.

There have been 3,190 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in the Bondi cluster was reported.    

There are currently 203 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 53 people in intensive care, 27 of whom require ventilation.

There were 105,963 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 95,446.

NSW Health administered 26,872 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, including 8,438 at the vaccination centre at Sydney Olympic Park. 

The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 3,816,432, with 1,473,867 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 2,342,565 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59pm on Thursday 29 July 2021.

Of the 210 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 81 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 72 are from Western Sydney LHD, 38 are from Sydney LHD, 11 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, four are from Northern Sydney LHD, two are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, one in Central Coast LHD and one whose address is in Western NSW but resides in Sydney.

NSW Health's ongoing sewage surveillance program has detected fragments of the virus that causes COVID-19 at the sewage system at South Windsor, where there are no known cases.

South Windsor sewage treatment plant serves about 19,000 people in Windsor Downs, Bligh Park, Clarendon and South Windsor. Everyone in these suburbs is asked to be particularly vigilant for the onset of symptoms that could signal COVID-19, and if they appear, to immediately be tested and isolate until a negative result is received. 

NSW Health continues to urge everyone throughout NSW, to get tested immediately if they have even the mildest of symptoms. High rates of testing are critical to detecting transmission and prevent further spread of COVID-19 in the community.

If you are directed to get tested for COVID 19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.

It remains vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is a close or casual contact of a person with COVID-19, isolates and is tested immediately. When testing clinics are busy, please ensure you stay in line, identify yourself to staff and tell them that you have symptoms or are a contact of a case.

Please check the NSW Government website regularly, and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a public transport route at the same time as a confirmed case of COVID-19. This list is being updated regularly as case investigations proceed: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/nsw-covid-19-case-locations.

There are more than 410 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/.../how-to-protect.../clinics or contact your GP.