NDS Covid-19 Update 20-Aug-2021

What you need to know about Covid-19 Updates.

The NSW Government today announced the Greater Sydney lockdown will be extended until the end of September, and other rules impacting LGAs of concern.

Of key importance for providers – vaccines will be mandated for disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern, with first doses required by 30 August.

New restrictions – LGAs of concern

The statement outlines new restrictions for authorised workers (including disability):

• “Childcare workers and disability support workers who live or work in the LGAs of concern must have their first vaccination dose by 30 August;
  
  
• Authorised workers who work outside their LGA of concern are only permitted to work if rapid antigen testing is implemented at their worksite or they have had their first vaccination dose by 30 August.
  
  
• From Saturday, 28 August, authorised workers from the LGAs of concern are required to carry a permit from Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home; and
  
  
• From Saturday, 28 August, anyone entering an LGA of concern for the purposes of work must carry a worker permit issued by Service NSW
  
  
• From 12.01am Monday, 23 August, workers from the Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland and Fairfield LGAs will no longer have to have been tested for COVID-19 in the previous 72 hours to work outside their LGA.”

NDS is seeking clarification on whether rapid antigen testing may be implemented for disability support workers if they have not been able to access their first vaccine dose.

NSW Health has also advised that more information, including grounds for medical exemptions, will be provided shortly and that the public health order will be published as soon as possible.

From 12.01am Monday 23 August, additional restrictions include:

• a curfew from 9pm to 5am, except for work, emergencies or medical care
• outdoor exercise limited to one hour per day
• mask wearing will be mandatory across Greater Sydney (and regional NSW until 28 August)

Vaccination bookings

NDS has maintained a public position that vaccinations should be mandated for disability support workers and we have been active in our advocacy on this issue – for the safety and protection of participants and workers alike. The decision announced today is positive and we will be working with the Government to help ensure workers can easily access a vaccine before the end of the month.

NSW Health is currently offering priority bookings for authorised workers and priority Pfizer bookings for  people aged 16-39 across the impacted LGA’s.

Workers can also book their vaccines through the Australian Department of Health eligibility checker or by calling the National Coronavirus Hotline on 1800 020 080.

Useful links:

• NSW Health COVID-19 Disability Service Providers webpage
• For Providers – COVID-19 | NDIS website
• Australian Government Department of Health -  Disability provider Alerts
• Australian Government Department of Health -  Providing disability support services during COVID-19
• Australian Government Department of Health -  COVID-19 vaccine information for disability service providers
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) resources for health professionals, including aged care providers, pathology providers and health care managers
• NDS COVID-19 hub for information and resources including PPE

Note: Covid-19 Updates are relevant at the time of publishing.