Weekly COVID-19 Update

Travel – the general need to travel should be reconsidered.

Meetings and Activities –Meetings need to comply with current NSW restrictions for numbers.

• The 4 square metre rule still exists for working out the number of people that can fit into a retail store site.
• The Society is now using the 2 square metre rule for working out limits of people to attend meetings and training that is required.
• Front line support services and conference services where clients are being assisted are exempt to any limitations as long as social distancing is maintained.

Face masks – Wearing a face mask is strongly recommended for when you cannot physically distance and continues to be mandatory in some circumstances. Check here for when to wear a face mask.

Vinnies requirements for wearing face masks:

• Mandatory to wear Masks as per NSW Health rules
• Strongly Recommended for:

1. 1. Where social distancing cannot be adhered to – eg: participating in training.
   2. Work vehicles with more than one person.
   3. Home visitation or attending clients/PWA homes – in situations where we do not control the environment.

If you are a COVIDSafe Champion monitor how things are in your workspace and contact your supervisor if you need assistance.

You can also contact the Employee Assistance Program Ph:1800 818 728 or your WHS Regional Partner.

Public Health Warnings and/or Advice – Check the Public Health Alerts

What you need to know

NSW Health is advising people in NSW against non-essential travel to the Greater Brisbane area at this time. Check Queensland’s COVID-19 alerts before you travel.

• What the COVID-19 rules are in NSW
• Vaccination for COVID-19
• Travel to and from NSW
• Planning your trip – quarantine advice

Within certain areas of increased activity NSW Health may ask people who live in, or have visited, those areas to get tested if they have even the mildest of COVID-19 symptoms such as a runny nose or scratchy throat. Vinnies have certain restrictions and recommendations also in these areas which will be communicated if Hotspot locations are current. See COVID-19 Hotspot Protocol

Interstate Travel Arrangements

A number of states have and continue to update their requirements for travellers from NSW.  For the latest detailed information you are advised to visit the website for the state you will be travelling to.

Travellers from interstate hotspots (WA and Victoria)

Under the public health order, if a concerns notice is issued identifying an affected area or place of high concern, certain rules and restrictions interstate travellers guidelines will apply if you are entering or have entered NSW.

Western Australia

A concerns notice has been issued which affects travellers who have been to Western Australia and are entering or have entered NSW.

Read the latest advice for travellers from WA.

Victoria

COVID-19 case alerts have been issued in Victoria.

If you have been to Melbourne recently visit the Victorian Government website and follow the associated health advice if you were at these places at these times.

Travellers from New Zealand 

When you arrive in NSW from New Zealand you must provide your contact details and place of accommodation in NSW by completing a New Zealand arrival declaration form.

A quarantine-free arrangement applies to certain travellers who enter NSW from New Zealand.

For more about the requirements, visit:

• Australian Department of Home Affairs: New Zealand safe travel zone
• New Zealand Government – Quarantine-free travel

Learn more about entering NSW from New Zealand 

Key messages for the community are: 

• If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay.
• Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.
• Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.
• Wear a mask on public transport, ride share, taxis, shopping, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should sit in the back and wear a mask.