COVID Update – 5 August 2021
New South Wales
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced a snap lockdown in the Hunter and Upper Hunter regions from 5:00 pm today (5 August 2021) until 12:01 am Friday 13 August 2021. The impacted local government areas are Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Cessnock, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook.
The restrictions applied are the same as those in the Greater Sydney area.
The authorised worker’s information for all areas impacted by the NSW lockdown can be found here https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/authorised-workers
ACWA draws car wash operator attention to the permitted industry sector table on this page, specifically Section 8, Transport, Postal and Warehousing. This regulation appears to allow car wash sites to operate where the wash legitimately provides “vehicle repairs and critical maintenance including disinfection”. Please do not consider this information as legal advice, check the relevant websites and make an informed decision.
Should car wash operators elect to open under this permitted category, ACWA strongly encourages the adoption of all COVID safe practices, including:
- COVID Safe Plans
- Appropriate QR Code Check-in Facilities
- Enforcement of site density limits
Queensland
As previously reported, the Queensland government has extended its snap lockdown until 4 pm Sunday 8 August for 11 local government areas in southeast Queensland. The local government areas are;
- Brisbane City
- Moreton Bay
- Gold Coast
- Ipswich
- Lockyer Valley
- Logan City
- Noosa Shire
- Redland City
- Scenic Rim
- Somerset
- Sunshine Coast
ACWA advised earlier this week that despite appearing to be legally permitted to operate, car wash sites on the Gold Coast had been ordered by police to close. ACWA has since received advice from the member that “the police called back to say they had it wrong and we could remain open without being targeted”.
ACWA points out the following information contained in the Chief Health Officer’s (CHO) Restrictions for Locked Down Areas (South-East Queensland) Direction (No. 4)
- Definition of Essential Business, Activity or Undertaking – means a business, activity or undertaking that is not prohibited under Schedule 3.
- Definition of Essential Goods or Services – means good or services obtained from an essential business, activity or undertaking.
- Under schedule 3 – Car Washing has not been listed as a business that must not operate.
Please do not interpret this message as legal advice. Be sure to check the official government website and make an informed decision.
The CHO’s Directions can be found here https://www.health.qld.gov.au/system-governance/legislation/cho-public-health-directions-under-expanded-public-health-act-powers/restrictions-for-locked-down-areas
Please click the following link for information on Queensland $5,000 COVID Grant https://www.business.qld.gov.au/starting-business/advice-support/grants/covid19-support-grants
South Australia
After the states most recent closedown, COVID restrictions continue to ease. Businesses are open and operating under mask and density limit type restrictions.
Western Australia
Western Australia has avoided lockdown or any new COVID restrictions after a mine worker’s unusual positive test result.
Tasmania
Tasmania recorded a new case in quarantine from NSW traveller; however there are no changes to restrictions in the state.
Victoria
Things are looking decidedly ominous in Victoria after two new local COVID-19 infections were reported today and another six yesterday. Victorian authorities have not ruled out lockdown number six, and there is likely to be a decision made in the hours ahead. Fingers are well and truely crossed!
ACT
No Change.
NT
No Change.
COVID GRANTS AND GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS
Federal NSW and VIC Governments
ACWA’s Accountants have provided an excellent publication and we have emailed this directly to all members to read and follow the links.
