COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)

Information and resources on the novel coronavirus, COVID-19

Described by the WHO as a pandemic on March 12, the novel coronavirus COVID-19 is having an enormous effect on many people and many businesses here in NSW, particularly those who work primarily with international tourists and young people. We have put together the following collection of resources to better inform the outdoor sector about COVID-19 and provide some insight into the best way forward.

Latest Updates July 17th

Fitness, gymnasiums and dance studios are open with up to 20 people per class and 100 people in an indoor venue.

Community centres, including their recreational facilities are open.

Indoor recreational facilities including pools can also reopen with restricted numbers.

Community sport competitions can restart from 1^st July

You can have up to 20 people in your home.

You can gather with up to 20 people outside.

Major recreational facilities must have a COVID SAFE plan and are permitted to have up 25% of normal capacity.

Pubs, table bookings are reduced from 20 to 10 people

A cap of 300 people in a venue at any one time

The NSW – VIC border has been temporarily closed

Food courts can reopen with a COVID SAFE plan.

Find out more about what will change at https://www.nsw.gov.au/…/what-you-can-and-cant-do-u…/changes

Need advice or to get tested?

If you have COVID-19 symptoms, get tested at a COVID-19 testing clinic. Symptoms include cough, sore/scratchy throat, shortness of breath or fever. Self-isolate until you get your results.

If you need advice or have questions, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080. If you require translating or interpreting services, call 131 450.

Updates and Statistics Community and Businesses

Visit NSW Government – COVID-19
for all the important information and advice for NSW communities and businesses including what you can and can’t do.

Update from Nation Parks and Wildlife Services NSW

On 30 March 2020 all Parks Eco Pass (PEP) operators were advised that the operation of guided tours or other commercial activities are not permitted in NSW national parks and reserves further notice. This decision was made in accordance with the NSW Health order for public gatherings, restricting both indoor and outdoor gatherings to two (2) persons only.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has introduced support measures to all PEP operators to assist businesses with resilience and recovery during the impacts of COVID-19.

Parks Eco Pass operator support

NPWS has communicated the below support measures to all PEP operators.

Waiving Quarterly Trip Return (QTR) payments

Quarterly Trip Return (QTR) payments will be waived for the period from 1 January – 31 March 2020.

Deferment of annual licence fee

NPWS sent an email to all PEP operators on 1 April 2020 to inform of the deferment of all annual licence fee payments for three (3) months. Therefore, if a PEP operator’s annual licence fee was due 1 April 2020, they would not be required to pay the annual licence fee until 1 July 2020.

Parks Eco Pass licence extension

In the email sent out on 1 April 2020 also provided a three (3) month extension of all current Parks Eco Pass operator licences. Therefore, all current Parks Eco Pass licences will be automatically extended by three (3) months after the current expiry date. This applies to all Parks Eco Pass operators who hold a licence as of 1 April 2020.

For the full run down from NPWS Outdoors NSW – NPWS support for operators (1)

How is this coronavirus spread?

The coronavirus is most likely to spread from person-to-person through:

direct close contact with a person while they are infectious,
contact with droplets from an infected person coughing or sneezing, or
touching objects or surfaces (such as door handles or tables) contaminated from a cough or sneeze from a person with a confirmed infection, and then touching your mouth or face.

Most infections are only transmitted by people when they have symptoms. These can include fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness and shortness of breath.

Practising good hand and sneeze/cough hygiene is the best defence against most viruses. You should:

Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rubs.
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when coughing or sneezing.
Avoid touching your face, nose and mouth.
Stay home if you are unwell.
Avoid contact with anyone who is unwell – try to stay 1.5m away from anyone coughing or sneezin

Business Information Links:

Useful Information Links:

Working from Home

The key to getting the best out of working from home:

Have a separate work space – an area that mentally prepares you for work mode
Set up your work space – desk, proper lighting, chair …
Get the right technology – internet access, computer, audio, phone …
Get the right software – applications, communications …
Establish a routine – set a starting time, and most importantly, a finishing time
Remove, or remove yourself from, distractions
Get outside at least once a day – fresh air and a change of scenery is great for preventing ‘cabin fever’

Top Ten Outdoor Activities for you and all the family

With social distancing restrictions in place that will limit the opportunities for body contact sports and team events, why not get outside and try an outdoor activity instead – see the list below for the top ten activities you can do by yourself or with the family.

Fresh air and sunshine are good for both your physical and mental health too!

The following are ten great activities to do outdoors:

Walk or jog around your neighbourhood
Go for a bike ride
Go to a beach or lake
Take your dog for a walk
Throw a Frisbee
Go fishing
Go on a bush-walk
Climb a tree
Fly a kite
Visit your local park

Source: Active Education