Sydney goes under harsher lockdown: all construction paused; retail to close
The NSW Government has announced that on the basis of updated health advice, the following new restrictions come into effect across Greater Sydney including the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong, and Shellharbour until 11.59pm on Friday, 30 July.
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From 11.59pm on Saturday, 17 July:
1. Retail premises will be required to close (‘click and collect’, takeaway and home delivery can still operate).
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From 12.01am on Monday, 19 July:
1. All construction to be paused; and
2. Non-urgent maintenance, including cleaning services, and repair work on residential premises to be paused. This includes pool and spa servicing.
Members are permitted to attend site to make them safe and protect residents and the public.
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From 12.01am on Wednesday, 21 July:
1. Employers must allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so, failure to do so can result in a fine of up to $10,000.
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Residents of Fairfield, Canterbury-Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs cannot leave their LGA for work except for emergency services and healthcare workers.
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Masks:
Anyone who leaves the home must have a mask with them at all times. They must be worn when you are working outdoors, in outdoor markets, outdoor shopping strips, and in an outdoor queue waiting for products such as coffee and food; and
Carpooling:
All carpooling is to be stopped unless among members of the same household.
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Restrictions in regional NSW remain unchanged.
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BUSINESS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
If your business or not-for-profit organisation has been impacted by the restrictions, you may be eligible to apply from 19 July 2021.
You can get notified on existing and upcoming financial support, including:
1. COVID-19 business grant: if you’re a business, sole trader or not-for-profit organisation impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a grant of up to $15,000 from 19 July 2021.
2. Saving Jobs: a support program funded jointly by the NSW and Commonwealth governments to maintain employment of staff for small and medium businesses impacted by the current health restrictions.
3. Micro business grant: if you’re a micro business (small business or sole trader with annual turnover of more than $30,000 and under $75,000) impacted by the current Greater Sydney COVID-19 restrictions, you may be able to apply for a $1500 payment per fortnight of restrictions from late July 2021.
