September 2021 Update Newsletter

25 Sep

It has been a strange year with limited Covid cases in the first part of the year for much of Australia and now many parts of Victoria and NSW in lockdown.

Hopefully, with the vaccination rates increasing rapidly, both states will begin opening up for business as usual in the coming weeks.

Coming out of lockdown: staying safe and managing anxiety.

As Covid-19 restrictions begin to lift, many of us are looking forward to returning to activities that we’ve missed over the last year. But for many, this can cause anxiety or stress.

Should I still wear a face mask?

Each state has specific rules in place around face masks, and different arrangements around when and where they will no longer be required by law.

Face masks have played an important role in reducing the spread of coronavirus. As they become voluntary in different parts of the country, it will be up to each person to consider the risks and benefits of wearing them, for us and those around us.

Choosing to wear a face covering, especially in enclosed or crowded spaces, will continue to limit the spread of coronavirus. Face masks are particularly useful at reducing the spread of the virus from people who don't have coronavirus symptoms and don't realise they may be infected. They are most effective at protecting those around you, but wearing one may help protect you as well.

For some people, deciding whether to continue wearing face masks will be a difficult decision to make – but it might be helpful to remember that face masks don’t need to be all or nothing. There are some situations where you may feel more comfortable wearing a mask for your safety, and for the safety of those around you. These might include times when:

you are indoors, enclosed space (such as a vehicle with others) or in a crowded place
you are using public transport
you are in an area where Covid-19 cases are rising
you are particularly vulnerable, for example, because of your age or health, or you are spending time with someone who is.

Are there extra steps I can take?

There are extra steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching or passing on the virus when you are meeting with others. For example, you might consider:

meeting outdoors rather than inside
choosing a place that is well ventilated and opening up the windows or doors if you do meet inside
regularly washing your hands and avoiding touching your face
considering whether you or those you are meeting with are fully vaccinated – you might choose to wait until 14 days after your second dose to be in close contact with others
continuing social distancing if it feels right for you.

Returning to work

Guidance to work from home where possible is due to be relaxed across NSW and Victoria once they begin to open up from lockdowns.

Employers have a legal responsibility to make sure employees are protected from any health or safety risks while at work. Many employers will have measures in place to restrict the spread of Covid-19 such as temperature and health check before starting each shift. Or some employers may request staff to undertake regular Covid-19 tests . You might find it helpful to speak with your employer about what measures they will have in place before you return to work, so you know what to expect.

For further information – click on your state’s link below.

Australia - https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert?gclid=CjwKCAjwhaaKBhBcEiwA8acsHADYNxwO04kokZ704eYAk3whe0AG53sns6u6FgMU-hJYybcqu086iRoC65EQAvD_BwE

NSW – https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19

Qld – https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/

Victoria - https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/

South Australia - https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/

Tasmania - https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/