New South Wales COVID Update, 17 July 2021

This is the post I was hoping not to have make. Things in Greater Sydney (including Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour) are not improving and so the New South Wales Premier has announced tighter restrictions for business. It’s going to be hard but we will all get through this together.

From midnight tonight until 11:59 pm on Saturday, 30 July, the following restrictions will apply:

  • Residents of the Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGA’s can no longer leave the LGA for work. The only exception to this are healthcare and emergency workers. Those workers that are permitted to leave will continue to be required to have a COVID test every 3 days.
  • Retail premises in all of Greater Sydney must close (with the exception of click and collect, takeaway or home delivery services). Some essential retail is permitted to open but only businesses that are listed on the NSW govt website. (Click link here).
  • Masks must be worn at all times except when you are inside your place of residence.
  • All carpooling to be stopped unless among members of the same household.
  • All showrooms must be closed.

From 12.01 am on Monday, 19 July, the following restrictions will apply:

  • All construction is to be paused.
  • All non-urgent maintenance on residential premises is to be paused (including cleaning services and repair work).

Between now and Monday you are allowed continue construction and renovation work in order to make a site safe for the duration of the pause but after that you will not be permitted to work.

We are trying to get clarity around manufacturing as there is currently no clear guidance available. With the information we have so far we think you may be able to keep working however you won’t be able to deliver orders to site and your suppliers may not be able to deliver to you. We will update you as soon as we have more information.

From 12.01 am on Wednesday, 21 July, the following restrictions will apply:

  • Employers must allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so, a failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $10,000.

All other restrictions currently in place across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will remain in place. Restrictions in regional New South Wales remain unchanged.

Training Support

As always, the AGWA is here to help you wherever we can. To help members through this difficult time we are offering access to our WHS Foundation Online Course free of charge (normally $60) to all member employees in Greater Sydney. . Let’s use this down-time positively and freshen up on our safety knowledge. Great to cover off on your WHS requirements while you all have a little less to do. The course covers 'Safety Responsibilities', 'WHS in the Workplace', 'Risk Management' and 'WHS in Practice'. The course will take approximately 3 hours to complete and all you need is a computer with speakers and the internet.

If members are wanting some further training for staff working at home our Glass Induction Online Course is also now available for New South Wales members at 50% off (Normally $85 now $40). To register for either course send your name, email address and member company to [email protected] and we will organise your registration. You must enroll in and complete the course before the 30 July 2021.

Financial Assistance

If your business does have to shut during this time, employees should first use up their annual leave entitlements and then, if stood down without pay, can apply for government financial assistance with the COVID-19 Disaster Payment.

The government has also announced financial support for New South Wales businesses, sole traders and small not-for-profits in the form of COVID-19 Business Grants. Please follow the links to assess eligibility and apply for assistance.

This stuff is really hard. It affects everyone differently so please take care of yourselves and each other. Check in with your family and friends regularly over the phone to make sure they are OK. If there is anything I can do to help please do not hesitate to reach out. I have no doubt there will be further changes to communicate and I will pass information on to you all as quickly as I can.

Stay safe,

Melissa Baker
National Industry Development Manager
Australian Glass and Window Association