Posted in Industry News

COVID-19 Update

As depicted in the graph below, there has been a significant drop in the number of COVID-19 cases reported across Australia since the peak in January. If the trend continues to follow forecasting, this should see a boost in consumer confidence leading into March and hopefully a prosperous 2022 after the uncertainty we've had the last two years.

Sources:
The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME)

Our World in Data

ADX Sydney 2022

With only six weeks to go until ADX Sydney 2022 kicks off at the ICC, industry confidence remains high with over 3000 delegate registrations and 180 exhibitors confirmed. We expect to put out the sold out sign by the end of the month given the current enquiries and increasing demand from organisations wanting to exhibit at ADX.

Latest COVID-19 Business News

• Business Support Package Released:

The Small Business Support Program will provide businesses in NSW with an annual turnover of between $75,000 and $50 million with a decline in turnover of at least 40 percent by providing a payment covering up to 20 percent of their weekly payroll for the month of February 2022.

In addition, the existing Small Business Fees, Charges and RAT Rebate will be increased from the current $2,000 limit to $3,000 and employing businesses will be able to offset 50 percent of the cost of RATs.

• Staged return of non-urgent elective surgery:

From next Monday 7 February, non-elective surgery requiring an overnight stay can now safely resume at private hospitals and some of our public hospitals that are in a position to do so in regional and rural NSW.

• COVID-19 Resources for Managing Your Business

What do I need to do if a worker tests positive at my workplace?
NSW Health has provided a useful list of steps on what your business needs to do following reports of a positive COVID-19 test at your workplace.

ADX Sydney 2022

The Australian Dental Industry Association wishes to advise members and exhibitors that the upcoming ADX Sydney 2022 at the International Convention Centre (ICC) at this point in time is still planning to proceed on 17-19 March 2022.

At this stage, the NSW Government does not envisage implementing restrictions to prevent large events from proceeding. The current medical advice from NSW Health indicates that we've reached peak infection rates and should see case numbers dropping over the next few weeks.

The ADIA will implement the same robust COVID-safe strategy we had at ADX Sydney 2020 and ADX Melbourne 2021, including the use of face masks, sanitisation stations, and controlled entry and exit points.

There are currently 180 exhibitors confirmed, with a waitlist of 56 organisations wanting to exhibit at ADX and only 24 booths remaining for sale.

Delegate confidence in the community remains high. At the end of this week in 2018, we had 1406 registrations. In 2020 we had 1605 registrations. And as of today, we have 2720, almost double the registrations for the same time in 2018.

Over the next three weeks, we will monitor the situation closely and continue to update members and exhibitors on a weekly basis to advise of any changes leading up to the event.

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Latest COVID-19 Business News

Pandemic Leave

The Fair Work Commission amended 99 modern awards to include unpaid 'pandemic leave' and allow the flexibility to take double the amount of annual leave at half pay. The operation of the unpaid pandemic leave provision of Schedule X - Additional measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has been extended in 73 awards until 30 June 2022.

Read more here.

Rent Relief Extended for Small Businesses

The NSW Government is extending rent relief regulation until March 13 for small business owners impacted by COVID-19.

Full details and how to apply: https://www.smallbusiness.nsw.gov.au/get-help/covid-19/covid-19-grants-and-support-small-business

The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources has launched two new tools designed to maximise and improve business systems and security.

A new Digital Readiness Assessment Tool can assist business owners to enhance the performance of their online channels, improve productivity and drive growth.

The assessment tool is designed to help business owners understand how prepared they are to handle the online challenges of their industry and what they can do to improve their 'digital maturity'.

The free assessment measures the digital maturity and readiness of your business against seven key pillars:

• Customer - how you interact with your customers and the digital channels you use.
• Operations - what systems and administrative technology you use.
• Data and analytics - how you collect and use data for decision making.
• Technology - what hardware, software, devices and platforms you use.
• Risk, privacy and cybersecurity - how you keep data safe and what policies and procedures you have in place.
• Digital capability and culture - what digital skills you and your team have.
• Digital strategy and innovation - your planning, investment and involvement in technology.

Participants receive a report outlining the capabilities of their business, advice on ways to improve, and government support opportunities.

The free assessment takes 10 minutes to complete.

While you're working on streamlining procedures, you may want to take a look at your online business protection.

The Cyber Security Assessment Tool can help identify your business' cyber security strengths and areas where your business can improve.

For South Australian business owners, Business SA has launched a business advice, growth and support service to assist businesses to transition out of COVID restrictions and back to full service.

Specialist consultants have been employed to work with S.A. businesses to provide solutions and  expert advice across a broad range of areas fundamental to sustainable growth.

The service is designed to support any industry sector, at any stage of business.