Strict new restrictions to mitigate against COVID-19 community and workplace transmission across Local Government Areas (LGA) of concern were announced last week by the NSW Government.
Many of these restrictions will affect members employed across the postal and telecommunications industries, who cannot work from home.
Currently, NSW LGAs of concern include:
Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield and the following suburbs in Penrith: Caddens, Claremont Meadows, Colyton, Erskine Park, Kemps Creek, Kingswood, Mount Vernon, North St Marys, Orchard Hills, Oxley Park, St Clair and St Marys.
If you reside in, or work in, any of the above council areas, the new restrictions apply to you.
This list is subject to change, and members should always check the list of declared LGAs of concern for the most up to date locations, here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-area
Authorised worker permit
From Saturday 28 August, members who live in an LGA of concern and cannot work from home, and those members required to enter an LGA of concern to attend for work, are required to carry a permit issued by Service NSW declaring that they are an authorised worker and cannot work from home.
The NSW Government has not yet made available the facility to obtain this permit. When that facility is available, we will share the relevant information with you to assist you in obtaining the permit.
Vaccination and rapid antigen testing requirements
By August 30, members who live in an LGA of concern and are required to work outside that LGA will be required to have received their first vaccination dose. If you live in one of the LGAs of concern, you can make a priority vaccination booking now at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/health-and-wellbeing/covid-19-vaccination-nsw/authorised-worker-priority-appointments
Those who do not wish to be vaccinated will need to undergo COVID rapid antigen testing every three days. Employers are required to make testing facilities available to employees.
Compliance at Australia Post
Between now through to 29 August, all employees and contractors across all greater Sydney facilities will be required to complete a declaration form via QRG.
This process will assist Australia Post in ensuring those affected by the restrictions are able to comply.
For those not yet vaccinated who wish to be, Australia Post will seek to provide you with your preferred vaccination, on-site.
For those who do not wish to be vaccinated, Australia Post will be establishing the required COVID rapid antigen testing facilities and we will provide further detailed information on the locations and process once this is available.
If your vaccination status changes, you will be required to complete this declaration again. Processes are now being developed to ensure compliance with these measures prior to workers being granted entry to a workplace.
We will keep members posted should these requirements change.
In the meantime, should you require any further information, please contact Branch Assistant Secretary Peter Chaloner or Branch Officials Cade Anderson, Phil Kessey, TK Ly, Liam Murphy, Peter O’Connell, Dharmpal Singh or Dennis Williams on (02) 9893 7822.
Yours faithfully and please keep safe,
SHANE MURPHY
BRANCH SECRETARY
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