COVID-19

Includes all people providing a service e.g. volunteers

All facilities located in NSW must ensure that all staff wear a surgical mask.

For reasons when masks can be removed please see Additional advice.

Staff who have not yet had 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine should have regular RAT testing (for example twice per week for a full time staff member). Staff who have had 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine do not need to have regular RAT testing.

PCR Tests should not be used for asymptomatic surveillance of staff or residents where there has been no exposure or outbreak.

A person must not provide a disability service unless:

• they are able to provide evidence of having received at least 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine OR if the person has received 2 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine and it’s is not after the later of the following
• 12 April 2022 or
• 6 weeks from the due date for the persons third dose (due date is 13 weeks after the persons second dose)

Note – New workers can commence employment with 2 doses however, they must receive their third dose within 6 weeks of their due date to continue working.

An exemption has been made to allow a person who has had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue working without the third dose, only if they have been assessed as being essential to the operation of a residential aged care facility or the provision of disability or aged care services by the operator of the residential aged care facility or the responsible person for the disability or in-home and community aged care service. See further information on Public Health Orders and Exemptions.

The exemption is also subject to the condition that the worker take reasonable steps to get vaccinated as soon as practical. The exemption will be repealed on 1 June 2022.

Note – On very rare occasions, there may be a medical contraindication to COVID-19 vaccination. A COVID-19 medical contraindication certificate is required in this circumstance.

Staff must not enter the facility at all if they:

• have COVID-19 symptoms
• are waiting for a COVID-19 test result
• have been overseas in the previous 14 days, unless they are fully vaccinated, have a negative rapid antigen test within 24 hours of arrival and their manager has agreed to risk mitigating measures. Managers should refer to the COVID-19 Guidance to support assessment of workers, residents and visitors in Residential Disability Care for information on assessing level of risk and when staff can be permitted to work, including to ensure service continuity.

Please refer to the NSW Government website for further information on NSW rules and restrictions.

For advice on essential staff who are necessary for operational purposes please see the advice on Exceptional circumstances for visiting a RDCF.

Please read Additional information for residential disability care facilities (RDCF).

Current as at: Thursday 21 April 2022