In addition to the announcement that lockdown will be extended in NSW for a further two weeks, under the latest NSW Public Health Order, new movement restrictions apply to workers providing essential services.

In response, NSW Health has issued new advice for disability service providers.

Residential Service Providers

Previously announced restrictions on visitors and mask-wearing requirements remain in place. Providers are reminded to continue to check the NSW Health website for the latest COVID-19 information including requirements to use the Service NSW QR Code for staff, visitors, and contractors in disability residential settings.

Latest NSW Health advice for Residential Disability Care Facilities

• From 16 July 2021, workers who live in the city of Fairfield (Fairfield LGA) are not permitted to enter a disability care facility outside of the Fairfield LGA unless they have been tested for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours.
• From 19 July 2021, workers who live in the Greater Sydney region and work in facilities more than 50km outside the Greater Sydney region are not permitted to enter a facility unless they have had a COVID-19 test within the preceding 7 days.
• Staff must always carry evidence (an SMS text message or email from the testing organisation) that a COVID-19 test has been taken
• Employers will need to check that testing has occurred prior to allowing entry
• Workers are not required to isolate whilst awaiting test results.

Home care supports and services

Requirements to wear masks remain in place.

Latest NSW Health advice for Home Care Service Providers

• From 16 July 2021, workers who live in the city of Fairfield (Fairfield LGA) are not permitted to work outside of the Fairfield LGA unless they have been tested for COVID-19 within the past 72 hours.
• From 19 July 2021, workers who live in the Greater Sydney region and work more than 50km outside the Greater Sydney region are not permitted to work unless they have had a COVID-19 test within the preceding 7 days.
• Staff must always carry evidence (an SMS text message or email from the testing organisation) that a COVID-19 test has been taken
• Employers will need to check that testing has occurred prior to allowing entry
• Workers are not required to isolate whilst awaiting test results.

Financial Support Measures

New financial support measures have been announced. These include additional financial support for individuals who have lost hours of work due to COVID-19 and financial support for businesses. These measures supplement those previously announced.

Amongst other financial relief measures, businesses, including not-for-profit organisations, able to demonstrate a 30 per cent decline in turnover could be eligible to receive between $1,500 and $10,000 per week, as long as they maintain existing staffing levels. Support is also available for sole traders and micro-businesses.

Businesses are able to register their interest in the payments on the Service NSW website.

NDS is seeking additional information around these initiatives and will provide this to members as soon it becomes available.

NSW Health Webinar

Providers are reminded that NSW Health will also be hosting a COVID-19 webinar on Thursday, 15 July 2021 at 11.00am. Please contact MOH-NDIS@health.nsw.gov.au to receive details on how to join this webinar.

NDS COVID-specific meetings

NDS invites members to register for our NSW CEO and Senior Leader COVID-19 response and discussion meeting to be held on Friday, 16 July from 12.30pm to 1.30pm. In addition, registrations are now open for the COVID-19 Prevention, Vaccines and Outbreak Management Community of Practice meetings.  The next meeting will be held on Thursday, 29 July.