New COVID testing rules for workers

NSW Health has announced that new COVID-19 testing rules are in place under a Public Health Order for workers who live in Greater Sydney and the Fairfield local government areas.

If travelling outside these areas for work, you must get a COVID-19 test as follows:

Fairfield LGA – get a test every 3 days, you have until the end of 16 July to get tested.

Greater Sydney –  If you live in or are staying in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, you must have a COVID-19 test in the 7 days before working if your workplace is 50km or more outside Greater Sydney.

Workers are not required to wait for a negative test result but must carry proof of the test, for example a SMS or email.

More information about the new requirements can be found here.

Transmission in workplaces and on worksites remains a concern for NSW Health. Everyone should work from home if possible. For essential workplaces NSW has outlined the following rules:

• Limit the interaction and mixing of employees, prevent meetings and gatherings, and reduce the size of groups.
• Remind everyone in the workplace that they must not attend if they have even mild cold-like symptoms. They need to get a test immediately and isolate until they get a negative result. They also need to check the NSW website every day for updated venues of concern in case they are a contact.

TLA would like to remind members that adhering to the rules above and making sure their staff and work sites are COVID safe are crucial if we want to keep our industry open for business. During previous lockdowns in Melbourne, the Victorian Government ruled that building and construction was to cease under the lockdown restrictions. TLA want to ensure our industry remains open during this time so adhering to the rules and best practice from all members is imperative.

If you have any questions please contact the TLA Office on (02) 9630 4844 or email team@landscapeassociation.com.au