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COVID-19 Updates


We thank our Community for the support during this challenging and uncertain time.

If you have not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster vaccination, please book in as soon as possible. This will protect not only yourself, but also your family and friends.

Restrictions are constantly changing. For the most up to date information, please visit NSW Government Health.

Please view the document Council support during COVID-19 for information on how we supported the Georges River Community.
 

Need further help?

You can find official Government information on the below links:

Alternatively, you can call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. The line operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.​

Please click or expand the topics below for more information. 

  • Public Health Order and COVID-19 Updates

    The Public Health Order and other legislation can be accessed on the COVID-19 related legislation webpage.

    The NSW Health website also provides current and updated information on how to stay safe and healthy, symptoms, testing, statistics, resources, rules and legislation and how to make your business COVID safe.

  • Vaccinations for COVID-19


    The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia have passed the Therapeutic Goods Administration’s (TGA) rigorous assessment and approval processes to ensure they are effective and safe for use. Millions of doses of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Australia have already been given worldwide.

    The vaccine is free for everyone, including people without a Medicare card.

    Even with the COVID-19 vaccination program in place, COVID safe behaviours are just as important as ever. Hand washing, staying 1.5m apart, wearing masks where it is mandatory and when you can’t distance. Staying home if unwell and getting tested immediately with even the mildest of symptoms, will help keep NSW COVID safe and our community open.  

    For the latest updates or information visit health.gov.au and nsw.gov.au. You can also call the national COVID-19 vaccine helpline on 1800 020 080, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.


    Proof of vaccination and check-in cards

    Once you have received your first dose or are fully vaccinated with an approved COVID-19 vaccine, there are several options to get proof of your COVID-19 vaccinations, depending on your situation. 

    If you have a smartphone, the easiest way is to add your COVID-19 Digital Certificate on your phone. It can now be added to your Service NSW app that you already use to check in. The following video shows you how to add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the Service NSW application.
     

    Booster shots

    A booster dose will make sure the protection from the first two doses is even stronger and longer lasting, and should help prevent spread of the virus. 

    Learn about booster doses for COVID-19 vaccines, who they are recommended for, when you need one and how to get it from the NSW Government website.

  • Testing Clinics and Rapid Antigen Tests

    COVID-19 testing clinics

    The COVID-19 testing clinics can be located on the NSW Health website.

    Trading hours may change due to increased workloads, please check the NSW Health website before visiting.
     

    Rapid antigen test

    Most people no longer need to get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test if they have COVID-19 symptoms or are a household, social, workplace or education contact of a positive case.

    Anyone who tests positive with a rapid antigen test must:

  • The COVID-19 outbreak is impacting businesses globally in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions. This information is general in nature and has been provided by the NSW Government Small Business Commissioner to support those small businesses impacted by the COVID-19. Links have been provided below for information.

    Business and employers

    The NSW Health site has provided information and resources for businesses and employees regarding protecting staff and customers from COVID-19, financial relief and personalised support.
     

    2021 COVID-19 business grant

    The 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant ('the Grant') will provide cash flow support until the JobSaver scheme commences, to help cover business expenses for which no other government support is available. The intention of the Grant is to help businesses survive the lockdown so they can continue to support employment and the economy after restrictions are lifted. Please click on the 2021 COVID-19 business support guidelines for more information. 

    For further details and to apply online, please visit the apply for the 2021 COVID-19 business grant page.
     

    Small Business

    The Small Business NSW website contains comprehensive advice on how to manage during the crisis. Alternatively you can speak with a Specialist Advisor about your situation by contacting the Small Business NSW Business Hotline on 13 28 46 (7.00am to 9.00pm, 7 days a week).
     

    Additional support and resources for Georges River business

    Georges River Council has dedicated a support for businesses page which also outlines Council's Debt Management and Hardship Policy.
     

    Federal Government support for businesses

    Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for the new government support for Australian businesses on Business.gov.au.
     

    JobKeeper Payment

    Businesses can apply to the Australia Tax Office for a JobKeeper wage subsidy. A series of Fact Sheets have been prepared to help businesses understand the eligibility and claims details.
     

    NSW Economic Surplus Package

    Tips and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase are outlined on the NSW Economic Surplus Package web page.
     

    Rent and Lease Enquiries

    Advice can be sought on your obligations under rent and lease arrangements can be made by contacting 1300 795 534 where you can speak to an expert on retail and commercial leases.
     

    Business Connect

    If you require support on topics such as managing cashflow, changing your business model and delivering services online, marketing your business during in a challenging environment, reassessing your supply chain, or even accessing financial support, the NSW Government's Business Connect offers a free, mobile business advisory service. This service also offers advice in other community languages.

    To book a session with your local advisor, visit Business Connect or call 1300 134 359.
     

    Mental Health Support

    If you need support during this stressful time, please visit Lifeline for specific advice on managing mental health during COVID-19.
     

    Additional support services

    The following are free services available 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

    • Mental Health Line – 1800 011 511
    • Mensline - 1300 789 978
    • Kids Helpline - 1800 55 1800
    • Beyondblue - 1300 22 4636

    If you or someone you know is in immediate danger call 000.
     

  • Resources and support for the Community

    Community support services directory

    This COVID-19 services community directory provides links to important information and services from reliable, trusted sources in our local area.

    If you are seeking emergency financial assistance, accommodation and food relief, please visit St George and Sutherland Homeless Help.
     

    Common questions about the rules

    Please view the frequently asked questions about the COVID-19 rules within NSW.
     

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

    This video explains how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can help to protect their communities and prevent the spread of coronavirus.


    Essential Information about COVID-19 and Aboriginal Communities can be located on the Aboriginal Affairs page.
     

    Community resources

    We all know it’s been tough being isolated! So we have put together some resources for anyone who is in need.

    • Staying at home self-isolation pack and Staying at home pack edition two - packed with activities to keep your mind and body active, tools for self-care in lock down and helpful tips on sleep, healthy recipes and online short courses; this booklet will make sure you come out of lock down with a smile.

    • Your Sensory Self Care toolkit - this workbook takes you on a journey to explore your senses and find out what calms and what boosts you. It helps you develop strategies to deal with any situation in a way that is tailored specifically to you and your own self-care.

    • Food guide - COVID-19 has hit many of us hard. This comprehensive guide explains food and grocery options in the St George and Sutherland area and contact details, a map and calendar for added accessibility.

    • Managing your mental health online - use this resource to learn about mental health and how it can be managed using these services without leaving home.
       

    Information for people experiencing race discrimination

    Since the start of the crisis, there has been a deeply disturbing rise in racial vilification of Asian Australians. We believe this poses a serious threat to our national unity, social cohesion, resilience and recovery. It is essential that the distrust, disenfranchisement and vilification of Australians of any racial background is not tolerated under any circumstances.

    We encourage community members to stand together to reject racism by signing the #UnityOverFear petition at bit.ly/unityoverfear

    If you've experienced racism as a result of coronavirus (COVID-19), or if you have a question about discrimination and your rights, contact Anti-Discrimination NSW. Their enquiries team is ready to answer your questions or they can help you make a complaint. If they can’t help, they will try to help you find a service that can.

    如果您因新冠肺炎（COVID-19）而遭受种族歧视，或者对歧视和权利有疑问，请与新南威尔士州反歧视委员会联系。 他们的咨询团队随时准备回答您的问题，或者他们可以帮助您进行投诉，如果他们帮不了，他们会尽力帮您找到一个可以帮助您的服务。

  • Language translation and resources

    COVID-19 resources and fact sheets

    The NSW Health site can be accessed for various COVID-19 resources. These include fact sheets, posters and videos. Translated resources can also be accessed at the bottom or can be located from the COVID-19 translated resources page.
     

    Easy read resources

    Easy read resources on COVID-19 (including the Public Health Act, testing information, other resources and children's resources).
     

    Vaccine eligibility checker

    Check the vaccine eligibility checker to see if you can book a COVID-19 vaccination yet. There are various translated languages you can use at the bottom of the vaccine eligibility checker web page.

    Information about COVID-19 vaccines has been translated into multiple languages. Find information in your language by visiting the NSW Government website.
     

    Pandemic leave disaster payment

    If you can't earn an income because you or someone you’re caring for has to self-isolate or quarantine due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a lump sum payment. .

    Visit the pandemic leave disaster payment page for more information.
     

    Test and isolate support payments

    A new toolkit targeting culturally diverse communities is now available to help spread the message about the new COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payments.
     
    The toolkit is available in the several languages and can be downloaded here. 

    More information about the support payments can be found here.
     

    SBS Multilingual Coronavirus Portal

    SBS has launched the SBS multilingual coronavirus portal, a dedicated online information hub for multicultural communities to easily access accurate and trusted news and information about COVID-19, in their language.
     
    The portal provides one place where the many Australians who speak a language other than English can come to for the latest news and resources across more than 60 languages, produced by SBS Radio and SBS News.

    Get COVID-19 information about Greater Sydney restrictions in your language.
     

    Difference between close and casual contacts

    The following links provide facts sheets for Close and Casual contacts.and information regarding these in different languages. Please scroll to the bottom of both pages to access these fact sheets. 

     

    Translated resources for COVID-19 health workers and communities

    Translated resources for COVID-19 health workers and communities
     

  • Community Information Session - 30 July 2021

    On 30 July 2021, Georges River Council, Mayor Kevin Greene and representatives from NSW Health and NSW Police held a COVID-19 Community Information Session. This covered the current Health Orders and Restrictions affecting our LGA. 

    We have provided the links to this Community Information Session below.

    Please note that this advice is current as of 30th July 2021. Please visit the NSW Health website for updated information.
     




    Information within this video is current as of 30th July 2021. Please visit the NSW Health website for updated information.
  • Activities for kids
    Keep your kids occupied during these school holidays with our printable colour in sheets below.
     
    We have also included a weekly activity planner that has reading resources and a range of activities to keep your kids entertained during the holidays and the lock down period. Please click on the weekly planner below:
       

    These resources have been developed by our Bushland Resources team and are ready for community use. 

  



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