COVID-19: How the latest update impacts the industry

Published

Please note that the information in this article was accurate at time of publication and is subject to change. Visit the NSW Government website for the latest advice and information.

With the recent unfolding events taking place with increased COVID-19 cases and stay at home restrictions extended across Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Shell Harbour, Central Coast and Wollongong for at least another two weeks we would like to remind the industry of what the latest measures mean for the point to point transport industry.

The Premier has been very strong in her message that there is a critical need for everyone in NSW to ‘limit movement’ in order to stop the spread of the delta strain. This will have an impact on the point to point transport industry, with people only utilising your services for essential reasons such as shopping for food or other essential goods, medical care or compassionate needs and essential work or education.


How the latest update impacts the industry:

In the latest COVID update, if you live in or are staying in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, you must have a COVID-19 test in the 7 days before entering a premise which is 50km or more outside Greater Sydney. We encourage regular asymptotic testing for anyone who moves from Greater Sydney into the regions. 

People leaving the Greater Sydney +50km area have until midnight Sunday 18 July to be tested provided they take reasonable steps to be tested before this date. 

You can read more about the introduction of testing on the NSW Health website and view a map of the 50km zone around Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour local government areas. 

Drivers who live or are staying in the Fairfield local government area but provide passenger services outside this area must get a COVID-19 test once every 72 hours (or 3 days). 
People within the Fairfield LGA have until midnight Friday 16 July to be tested provided they take reasonable steps to be tested before this date. In the meantime, please review the list of suburbs in the Fairfield local government area.

To clarify, after midnight Friday 16 July, if you do not get a COVID-19 test every three days and receive a negative result, you must not provide passenger services outside of your LGA. 

Critical points to note when providing passenger services are:

Drivers:

  • must follow the current lockdown and restrictions 
  • must get a weekly COVID-19 test if providing passenger services between Greater Sydney and regional NSW
  • drivers who live in Fairfield local government area must get a COVID-19 test every three days if providing passenger services outside of their LGA
  • must check-in using the vehicle’s Service NSW QR code at the start of the shift and they should also check out when their shift is finished 
  • must wear a mask while passenger services are being provided
  • are encouraged to get vaccinated if they are eligible
  • must stay home if unwell, get tested and not provide passenger services until they return a negative test and are well again
  • should utilise our complimentary Vehicle Sanitisation Stations (VSS), each vehicle is able to be sanitised up to twice a day for free.  Each vehicle is also eligible for 5 free face masks per visit. 
  • if you’re a regional based service provider without a Vehicle Sanitisation Station (VSS) located nearby, you’re entitled to complimentary face masks, available online via the industry portal
  • should encourage passengers to check-in using the Service NSW QR code in their vehicle
  • may deny a passenger entry to the vehicle as stated in the Public Health Order if a passenger refuses to check-in

Passengers:

  • must wear a mask while passenger services are being provided unless lawfully exempt
  • must check-in using the Service NSW QR code at the start of their journey 
  • can only carpool or share a vehicle with people from the same household
  • should only travel for essential reasons
  • should sit in the backseat of the vehicle
  • should use contactless payments

Additional updates:

  • Victorian border closure - The Victorian border was effectively closed to NSW from 11:59pm, Sunday 11 July, with all of New South Wales being declared a red zone under Victoria’s travel permit system. More information, particularly if you live in the cross-border area or are providing essential services, can be found on the Victorian Government’s Coronavirus website. 

We will continue to update the industry as new information becomes available.
It is important that you keep up with the latest updates and health advice by visiting Health NSW

Check in on your drivers


During this challenging time the safety and wellbeing of point to point transport drivers providing essential services is vital.  Drivers may be experiencing heightened stress and anxiety, so we encourage all service providers to reach out and connect with your drivers to ensure they have the support they need. Below, we have included an informative guide on managing drivers’ wellbeing including available tips and resources. 

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