Latest news

New rules, testing and isolation requirements

Most people no longer need a PCR test (nose and throat swab) and can take a rapid antigen test to confirm they have COVID-19. Read about new testing requirements

From January 9 2022, some critical workers may leave self-isolation if they have no symptoms. Read the critical workers guidance.

Read the fact sheet providing release and recovery information for people who were isolating

Vaccinations

All workers/trainees/Apprentices and SBAT’s are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19 including a booster shot when eligible. Book your vaccination or booster shot through the COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder.

Mandatory Vaccinations

Certain industry sectors have mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for workers. Check what rules apply.

Vaccination evidence

Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not. You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises in NSW.

However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you:

• attend an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people
• work in certain industries.

Follow the vaccination requirements for workers.

Check what you need as vaccination evidence.

Masks

Masks are no longer required except for public transport and planes, indoors at airports, hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, correction facilities and indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people

To ensure a safe environment for student and staff, masks are still encouraged for:

• indoor settings where physical distancing of 1.5 meters is not possible.
• close personal work where staff with students or visitors interact (student clinics – beauty, massage, hair or training that occurs within the 1.5m socially distanced requirement)
• customer-facing retail staff to protect vulnerable people who must access these premises

For further information, please visit the Guidance on wearing face masks | NSW Government

Density Limits

Density limits no longer apply. Where possible, physical distancing of 1.5 meters is still encouraged to manage the transmission of the virus.

Working from home

Businesses have a legal responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy workplace and manage the risk of COVID-19 to workers.

Businesses allow staff to work from home at their discretion.

QR Code check-ins

QR code check-ins are only required for nightclubs and for music festivals with more than 1,000 people. Schools, hospitals, aged care and disability facilities may use their existing systems for recording visitors.

COVID-19 cases in the workplace

Businesses are no longer required to notify SafeWork NSW if a worker tests positive for COVID-19. A business is only required to notify SafeWork NSW if a worker is hospitalised and/or dies from contracting COVID-19 at work. For more information go to Guidance for businesses with a worker who tests positive for COVID-19.

COVID-19 Mental health, business advice and other support

Below are links to other sources of information on COVID-19:

• Guidance for businesses with linked COVID cases
• Service NSW – Supporting NSW during COVID-19
• ASQA Coronavirus (COVID-19) Compliance arrangements
• Service NSW - Mental wellbeing resources
• NSW Government - Mentally Healthy Workplaces page - free business training resources to support mentally healthy workplaces
• General COVID safe advice for businesses
• NSW Government COVID-19 website.

VET Sector Guidance

VET sector guidance is underpinned by key preconditions set by NSW Health, and aligns with community settings. The guidance links to various sources of truth for accurate and timely advice.

Find out more.

Latest advice from NSW Health

You should regularly check the NSW Government COVID-19 news and updates for the venues and locations and adhere to advice where required.

COVID-19 case updates

The NSW Government website continuously updates the identified COVID-19 case locations in NSW. Make sure you regularly visit the website and encourage your staff to do the same. Please follow the instructions if you have visited one of the locations.

COVID-19 Mental Health, business advice and other support

The following links are to other sources of information on COVID-19:

• Mental wellbeing resources
• Mentally healthy workplaces - free business training resources from the NSW Government
• NSW Health Facebook videos - 3 pm daily is a public Q&A session
• Guidance for businesses with linked COVID cases
• General COVID-safe advice for businesses

Frequently Asked Questions

• Information for SBATs and apprentices and trainees - updated 22/07/22
  
• Information for Registered Training Organisations - updated 27/07/22
• Information for organisations employing apprentices and/or trainees - updated 22/07/22
• Information for students - updated 18/10/21