NSW – COVID Restrictions Update
Latest COVID-19 updates
Restrictions in place for several rural and regional areas
Easing of some restrictions in Greater Sydney
Note from Employsure:
We’re more than happy to assist you with workplace relations and WHS issues relating to COVID, but for public health advice please get in touch with the relevant authority. The NSW Government has put all their vaccine resources into one handy page, which you can find here.
Greater Sydney Restrictions:
If you live in an area of concern that is in Greater Sydney then different rules apply to you. See the rules for areas of concern.
Regional and Rural Restrictions:
For the latest on regional and rural COVID-19 restrictions, click here
Rules for when you leave your home
Leaving home to go to work
In Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains and Wollongong local government areas, employers must require an employee to work from home if the employee is reasonably able to do so.
If you cannot work from home, your workplace is allowed to be open, and you go to your workplace, you must wear a face mask (unless an exemption applies).
Most workplaces in NSW are also required to electronically record the details of people who enter them, including their staff. This means you might need to check-in when you are at work.
Many workplaces are also required to have COVID-19 Safety Plans which may require you to take other steps to protect yourself, your colleagues and customers from the risk of being infected with COVID-19.
If you need to enter an area of concern for work, you will need to register for travel with Service NSW. You do not need a permit for the provision of an emergency service.
If you live in Greater Sydney and need to travel more than 50 kilometres from Greater Sydney to carry out work, you need to register for travel with Service NSW.
Exercise or outdoor recreation
If you live in Greater Sydney you can leave your home to engage in exercise or outdoor recreation within your local government area or within 5km of your home.
If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend an outdoor gathering in a public space of up to 5 people for exercise or outdoor recreation so long as all those at the gathering aged 16 years or over are fully vaccinated:
- You must have proof of your vaccination with you at all times.
- You must show a Police Officer your proof of vaccination if its requested.
- Fully vaccinated means you have had 2 doses of an approved COVID-19 vaccination or have a medical contraindication certificate issued to you.
- The 5 person limit on these gatherings does not include children aged 12 or under.
- You are not prevented from attending more than one such gathering in a day.
If you are not fully vaccinated:
- You can attend an outdoor gathering in a public space with 1 other person that you do not live with, or your nominated visitor (“singles bubble”), for exercise or outdoor recreation.
- If you live with more than 2 other people, you can all exercise and engage in outdoor recreation together.
As of Monday 27 September 2021, you will be able to resume swimming at outdoor public pools either within your local government area or within 5km of your home.
Coronavirus: FAQs and Resource Hub For Employers
Get access to our free resources which include templates and checklists to prepare and safeguard your business for COVID-19.
Note from Employsure
The above is a general guide to the restrictions in NSW. For official and detailed information, please visit the NSW Government’s Covid website. If you need further information on how these restrictions impact your workplace as an employer, please get in touch with our advice line or, if you are not a client, we can assist you with free, initial advice on 1300 207 182.
