Dear Business Owners

I am sure you are all excited to get your business ready for Monday. As the state reaches a 70% vaccination rate, it’s time for NSW to get back to business.

The 3 stages for NSW to move out of stay at home orders have been announced and are as follows:

Stage 1: 70% full vaccination target – reopening starts for fully vaccinated people, expected to be Monday 11 October;

Stage 2: 80% full vaccination target – further easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated people, expected to be Monday 25 October; and

Stage 3: Wednesday 1 December – further easing of restrictions for everyone whether vaccinated or not.

With NSW reaching 70% full vaccination, businesses need to ensure that they know how to reopen their business safely. To ensure your business is complying with all the government safety guidelines for your industry, please prepare and plan for the following:

COVID-Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination will be required for staff and customers;
Physical distancing and density limit of 1 person per 4 square meters required for indoor areas;
Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home (where possible);
Masks for staff and customers indoors, and for hospitality staff outdoors; and
Ensure your employees are informed of your safety plan; if they feel unwell they must stay home, get tested, and isolate – even if they are vaccinated.

WHAT BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO KNOW

Measures that business owners need to consider to become COVID Safe as NSW begins to re-open include:

Customer proof of vaccination: Options for customers to show proof of vaccination;
Guidance about business rights: How to welcome back customers in a COVID Safe way, including vaccination compliance and business obligations;
Vaccinations for your staff: Employers are required to keep workplaces safe and minimise the risk of COVID-19 infection and transmission; and
What to do if a COVID-19 case is recorded at your business: Updated advice for testing, isolating, and contact tracing.

Let us all take care and get back to work and business. Christmas is not far and the fun has just begun!