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

With New South Wales achieving its stage one roadmap out of lockdown goal of 70% double vaccination rate, all local government areas within the state are no longer considered local government areas of concern and businesses began to open this week.

Victoria remains in lockdown but will also soon reach its nominated roadmap easing thresholds of 70% to 80% fully vaccinated with the caveat of "subject to health system capacity”.

What does this mean for New South Wales?

Proof of vaccination signage and guidance

From Monday 11 October 2021 all non-essential businesses must request people aged 16 and over to show proof of vaccination or a medical exemption when visiting their premises.

Business can use these guides and resources to ensure you follow the rules:

• proof of vaccination or medical exemption posters
• proof of vaccination advice for businesses
• COVID-19 vaccination guidance for your business
• COVID-19 vaccination compliance and obligations.

Registered COVID-Safe businesses can also download new QR code check-in posters updated with proof of vaccination details.

Am I responsible for ensuring only vaccinated staff, customers and visitors attend my business?

Businesses (but not businesses that are critical retail premises) are responsible for taking reasonable steps to prevent unvaccinated people entering their premises.

For example, you could:

• ensure posters outlining vaccination requirements and Service NSW QR codes are clearly visible
• train staff on ways to check proof of COVID-19 vaccination status (or a valid exemption) and what to do if someone refuses to be checked or is not vaccinated
• remind customers of vaccination requirements in marketing materials and when taking and confirming bookings
•  consider ways for non-vaccinated customers to purchase products online
• checking vaccination status upon entry where practical.

Can businesses force an unvaccinated customer to leave the premises?

There are public health orders in place that require a person to be vaccinated in certain indoor areas and public outdoor gatherings in NSW, unless an exemption applies.

If the occupier of the premises believes that a person does not have a valid exemption, the occupier can ask the person to leave the premises. If the person refuses, the occupier of the premises can notify the police.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (ACCI) Workplace Relations and WH&S team have prepared a comprehensive guide for employers on COVID-19 Vaccinations and the Workplace.

The Guide is a working document that will be updated with new editions and new information as legal determinations are made.

Download the guide by clicking this link.

Socially, what does this mean for me?

From today, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have:

• 10-visitor limit in your home
• access to gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities
•  group bookings of up to 20 people in hospitality settings.
•  All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.

The new freedoms for vaccinated people are partitioned according to single vaccination dose and second vaccination dose.

More information on the rules for NSW residents now the state has reached 70% vaccination, can be found by clicking this link.

More information on the rules for NSW residents when the state reaches 80% vaccination, can be found by clicking this link.