New rules for authorised workers in LGAs of concern and their employers. Those working outside their LGA must meet one of two new conditions. From 30 August, authorised workers from local government areas (LGAs) of concern, who work outside their LGA, will only be permitted to work if they have had at least one dose of vaccine, or they have a rapid antigen test at their worksite.
The new measures are designed to help protect the communities at highest risk of COVID-19.
There are additional requirements for authorised workers who are entering construction sites. These rules are also set out on nsw.gov.au.
What it means for businesses
All businesses who have authorised workers who live in a LGA of concern and travel outside the LGA of concern for work will need to:
- confirm employees have received at least one dose of vaccine, or
- confirm employees have been issued with a medical contraindication certificate, or
- have employees undergo a rapid antigen test on site.
To support these authorised workers, there are now an additional 200,000 priority vaccination appointments available.
These appointments can be booked at nsw.gov.au.
How to set up on-site rapid antigen testing
Where businesses set up rapid antigen testing on site, implementation must include the use of endorsed testing kits and supervision of testing by a health practitioner. Businesses may engage a third-party provider to manage this process.
To help, NSW Health has developed guidelines for rapid antigen testing, including what to do when a positive test occurs. Information on approved rapid antigen tests is available from the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
