The NSW and Commonwealth Governments have significantly expanded the financial support available to businesses and individuals during this phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Details are provided below of the support available for individuals and businesses - as the information is extensive, it is best accessed through the PDF which is available by clicking here, which has clickable links to access each category of support.
Construction resumes 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.
Changes to Greater Sydney restrictions Due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation, Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that 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. From midnight 28 July 2021 - 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. A singles bubble will be introduced, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. 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. 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. The penalty for not wearing a mask where required has been increased from $200 to $500. Restrictions in Regional NSW have not changed.
Changes to Local Government Area of Concern restrictions (currently Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, and Parramatta) From 12.01am, Friday 30 July 2021: Individuals cannot travel more than 5kms from home for shopping, unless the goods or service are not readily available in that area. ️ Exercise, outdoor recreation and singles bubble visits must be done within 5kms of the persons home. Masks must be worn at all times outside the home, regardless of proximity to others. A singles bubble will be introduced, allowing people who live alone to nominate one designated family member or friend to visit for companionship. 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.