Restrictions on non-essential activities and businesses are constantly evolving. To get up-to-date information regarding this matter, visit the NSW Government Public Health Orders page.

For some types of businesses, you are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. A COVID-19 Safety plan is recommended for other types of businesses. Find out about developing a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business.

Hospitality venues

Venues such as cafes, restaurants, food and drink premises, micro-breweries, cellar doors, casinos, registered clubs, small bars and casinos must comply with the same restrictions that are in place for pubs.

Penalties apply for venues that are found to breach the public health order rules. 

Venue rules

• Maximum of 10 people per booking or per table.

• Maximum of 10 people on a group entering or being on the premises.

• Alcohol can only be consumed by seated customers.

• Maximum of 300 people in the venue at any one time or one customer per 4 square metres, whichever is the lesser.

• For venues that consist of separate areas, the maximum capacity is 300 people in the separate area at any one time or one customer per 4 square metres, whichever is the lesser.

• To be a ‘separate area’, the area must:

- be separate from other areas on the premises

- if food and drink services are being provided in the area, have staff that are providing food and drink service only in that area

- not allow persons gathering in different separate areas of the venue to mingle.

COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal

• Venues must assign one staff member as a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal who will be in distinctive clothing (eg shirt or badge) and responsible for ensuring all aspects of the COVID-19 Safety Plan are being adhered to including overseeing social distancing, cleaning and ensuring the accuracy of record keeping. 

• Large hospitality venues with a capacity of more than 250 people must have a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal on duty whenever the venue is open.

• Smaller hospitality venues with a capacity of less than 250 people must have a COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal during peak periods, and at least during lunch from 12pm to 3pm, and dinner from 5pm to 9pm.

Customer sign-in

• All customers (unless only collecting takeaway) must sign-in by providing accurate contact details (name and phone number or email address) and their time of entry.
• The COVID-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal should ensure the accuracy and legibility of records.
• Paper sign-in is permitted, however hospitality venues must create a digital record of customer contact details within 24 hours and provide it immediately if requested.  
• QR code sign-in is strongly encouraged.

Physical distancing

• Move or remove tables and seating to support 1.5 metres of physical distance where possible.

• Reduce crowding and promote physical distancing with markers on the floor where people are asked to queue, such as at a bar.

COVID-19 Safe Business registration

From Saturday 25 July, all cafes, restaurants, food and drink premises, micro-breweries, cellar doors, small bars, clubs and casinos must ensure they are registered as a COVID-19 Safe Business . Pubs should already be registered as a COVID Safe Business.

Community sports, gyms, fitness classes and major recreation facilities

Community sporting activities, including training sessions and contact activities, may recommence.

• A maximum of 20 people per class applies to gym and recreation classes such as yoga, tai chi and pilates.

• For community sporting activities that involve more than 20 participants, the organiser must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan for community sporting competitions and full training activities.

- Participants include players, people who are training, officials and spectators.

- The maximum number of participants at a community sporting activity must not exceed 500 participants.

- Record keeping for spectators must take place for all ticketed community sporting activities.

- See the latest advice for minimising the risk of COVID-19 transmission if you're a community sports player or spectator. 

• Major recreation facilities must have a COVID-19 Safety Plan and are permitted to have up to 25% of normal capacity of the venue or 10,000 persons (whichever is lesser) when admission to the premises is by way of a ticket and each person has been assigned to a seating area.

Gyms

• Gyms must have a COVID-19 Safety Hygiene Marshal present at all times the gym is open and be registered as COVID Safe.

- This applies to gyms that are indoors and open to members of the public.

- A gym does not include a dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studio.

• If a gym is not open to members of the public, the COVID Safe requirements do not apply. This exemption applies to gyms in hotels, workplaces and residential premises (such as a home or an apartment building).

Find out more about COVID-19 Safety Plans for sport and recreation businesses and organisers

• Community sporting competitions and full training activities 

• Gyms

• Indoor recreation facilities including yoga, pilates and dance studios, martial arts training facilities recreation

• Swimming pools, saunas and spas.

Current restrictions on businesses

All businesses can now open and operate under the one person per 4 square metre rule. Some businesses will be subject to specific restrictions about the maximum number of people permitted at the venue, such as hospitality venues and places of public worship. 

Under the rules, employers must allow employees to work from home where it is reasonably practical to do so. 

For some types of businesses, you are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan. A COVID-19 Safety plan is recommended for other types of businesses. Find out about developing a COVID-19 Safety Plan for your business.

Some venues are also required to register as a COVID safe venue. This includes hospitality venues, places of public worship, funeral homes, crematoria and gyms.

Occupiers of the following premises, or the occupier of the premises on which the following events are held, are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

Businesses and events requiring a COVID-19 Safety Plan

Occupiers of the following premises are required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

• Caravan parks and camping grounds

• Hotels and accommodation

• Cinemas, theatres, concert halls, drive-in cinemas

• Community centres and halls

• Conference and function venues

• Libraries

• Markets: artisan, clothing, craft 

• Museums and galleries

• Theme parks and amusement centres

• Funerals, memorial services and wakes

• Places of worship

• Wedding ceremonies and receptions

• Pubs, clubs, bars, breweries and casinos

• Restaurants and cafes

• Manufacturing and warehousing

• Officer environment (including all centres)

• Beauty and other services

• Sex on premises

• Sex services

• Abattoirs and meat processing

• Agriculture

• Critical agricultural workers

• Food processing

• Retail and grocery

• Auctions and open houses

• Construction and tradespeople

• Betting agencies

• Community sporting competitions and full trianing activities

• Gyms

• Indoor recreation facilitites, including yoga, pilates and dance studios, martial arts trianing facilitites

• Major recreation facilitites, stadiums, showgrounds, racecourses

• Swimming pools, saunas and spas

• Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums

• Commercial vessels

• Maritime operations

• Transport freights and logistics operations

Closed

• Music festivals within the meaning of the Music Festivals Act 2019 and including a music festival attended by fewer than 2000 people are not permitted.

• Night clubs are currently closed.

Introducing your local Mobile Business Concierge

The Business Concierge team at Service NSW provides free, personalised support to small business owners as they start, run and grow their businesses, and as they adapt and recover in times of crisis. If you own a small business in the Camden area, your local Mobile Business Concierge can help you find the support you need. 

Look out for Julie Lewis from the Service NSW Mobile Business Concierge team, who will hit the road in Camden, offering a range of support in person on all things small business. Julie can help you navigate government requirements at local, state and federal levels, including applying for grants, licences and permits, understanding government regulations and more.

Julie is based in our community and brings expert local knowledge and connections across our Council, business chambers and other government agencies to work with you one-on-one. She will continue to offer support and answer any questions as your dedicated case manager. 

If you miss Julie visiting your area, call Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit the Service NSW website to request a call-back.

Coronavirus information and support for businesses

This is a one-stop-shop from the Australian Government, which includes information regarding:

• Restrictions on services: find out which businesses are impacted by the current restrictions on social gatherings.

• Keeping you and your employees safe.

• Refusing service: find out when you can and cannot refuse service to customers.

• Coronavirus and mental health.

• Be aware of coronavirus scams: learn how to protect your business from scams.

• Tax support: find out what tax support is available if you or your employees are affected by the coronavirus.

• Guide to continuing your business: learn steps you can take to help keep your business running during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Pausing or closing your business due to COVID-19.

• Supporting small businesses during coronavirus.

COVID-19 help for small businesses

This is a one-stop-shop by Service NSW for information on support and financial relief for businesses, employees and jobseekers, to help manage the impact of COVID-19. Information includes:

• Personalised business support - request a call from a Business Concierge.

• COVID Safe Check for NSW businesses: develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan specific to your industry, and register so customers know your business is COVID Safe.

• Changes to business trading

• Fee waivers and tax assistance

• Grants, loans and financial assistance

• Your employees and apprentices

• Mental health and general wellbeing

• Training and education

• Information for primary producers

• General business support

• Online events for business owners

• Commercial lease support

• Small business COVID-19 case studies

FAQs for small business owners

The NSW Small Business Commissioner has provided tips and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase. Visit this website if you have the following questions:

• What businesses are restricted from trading?

• My business is experiencing lost trade and cashflow problems – can I get help with my bills?

• What financial support is available from the government?

• I’m struggling with my rent.

• I need advice on consumer rights (e.g. event cancellations, refunds, delayed orders)

• How can I prepare my business if I get sick?

• What are my employer obligations?

• I need advice on managing employee leave.

• How can I protect myself, my employees and my customers?

• I’m having a dispute.

• I need business advice.

• Who can I speak to about other issues such as red tape?

• I need mental health support.

• Access to free online events and training.

• Other useful business resources.

COVID-19 and mental health at work

It’s important for businesses to provide a mentally healthy work environment, ensuring workers stay physically and mentally healthy during this time.

Information on this page includes:

• Workplace mental ill-health during COVID-19 recovery

• Supporting a return to the workplace

• Working remotely, or from home, during COVID-19

• Resources to stay mentally healthy during COVID-19

• Resources for staying mentally healthy when you are out of work

Self-employment - New Business Assistance with NEIS (New Enterprise Incentive Scheme)

Individuals not in employment, education or training who are interested in running their own business may be eligible for New Business Assistance with NEIS. New Business Assistance can help by providing:

• Accredited small business training;

• Personalised mentoring and support form a NEIS provider in the first year of the new business to help the individual put their business idea into practice; and

• NEIS Allowance for up to 39 weeks and NEIS Rental Assistance for up to 26 weeks (if eligible).

What small businesses can do now

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell talks about some of the things small businesses can do now to help their business stay afloat during this difficult time.

My Business Health

My Business Health is an initiative of the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman. It provides easy access to tools, templates and tips to manage stress and proactively engage with running your business.

Business Connect

Business Connect is a free service that will provide business advice and support on any matter. Advice is provided in six different languages, including English, Arabic, Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean and Vietnamese.

Food Authority advice for food businesses

Webinars & Training

Training Services NSW

The NSW Government is supporting industries and communities impacted by COVID-19 through funding various training courses such as:

• Health & First Aid

• Job seeking skills

• Personal services / community services

• Plan Skills Development

• Safe work practices

Visit this page for information about eligibility, cost and how to apply. Note that some qualifications are fee-free.

Western Sydney Business Centre

The Western Sydney Business Centre has a range of low cost and free online workshops on fundamental topics for running a small business. There are also specific free seminars related to coping with the COVID-19 crisis. Visit the website for a full calendar of workshops and seminars.

Business Connect webinars

Business Connect has a range of free webinars regarding general business operations. Visit the website for full calendar of workshops and seminars.

AusIndustry webinars

AusIndustry is delivering a 10-part webinar series to help businesses to respond to COVID-19.

ATO free small business webinars

The ATO is offering a range of webinars to assist small businesses. Some topics include:

• Digital options

• myGovID: your small business digital identity

• Tax support for small business

• Introduction to business records

• Cash flow for small business success

• Budgeting for your commitments

• Recording income and expenses (GST)

• Starting a small business

• Becoming an employer

• Ride-sourcing: income, expenses and GST

• An introduction to tax basics

• Home-based business

• Activity statement essentials

COVID-19 Infection Control Training

This 30-minute online training module is for health care workers in all settings. It covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19.

Resources

Prepare your business for disasters in five simple steps

This guide from the NSW Small Business Commissioner outlines a five-step plan to prepare your business for disasters.

Get back to business: a guide for recovering from disaster

This guide from the NSW Small Business Commissioner contains five phases of disaster recovery you would generally expect - from the moment the disaster has hit, to the actions you could take over the days, weeks and months ahead.

As a business owner and employer, you have obligations to keep your place of business, employees and yourself safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

Steps to become a COVID Safe business

To keep workers, visitors and customers safe, and to give them the confidence to keep coming back, businesses and organisations will need to follow health and hygiene requirements designed to keep COVID-19 out of workplaces. These steps include:

1. Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan

2. Register as a COVID Safe business

3. Show that you're COVID Safe 

This website also includes COVID-19 Safety Plans by industry:

• Auctions and open houses

• Beauty, nail, waxing, tanning and hairdressing salons

• Betting agencies

• Caravan parks and camping grounds

• Commercial vessels

• Community centres and halls

• Drive-in cinemas

• Funerals, memorial services and wakes

• Libraries

• Markets: artisan, clothing, craft (non-feed)

• Museums and galleries

• Places of worship

• Pubs, clubs, bars, breweries and casinos

• Restaurants and cafes

• Sports, recreation and gyms

• Wedding ceremonies and receptions

• Zoos, reptile parks and aquariums

• All other industries

Guidance for businesses with linked COVID-19 cases

This page provides information on what you need to do if a COVID-19 case has been linked to your business or organisation. Information includes:

• Finding out that a COVID-19 case has been linked to your organisation

• What happens when a COVID-19 case has been linked to your organisation

• What you need to do if a confirmed COVID-19 case has been linked to your organisation

• Resuming operations

• Employees returning to work

National guide for safe workplaces

This guide is to assist persons conducting a business or undertaking meet their work health and safety duties in relation to COVID-19. This document provides guidance to assist businesses determine how best to manage the risk of COVID-19 in the workplace. It provides a framework that complements and links to the Safe Work Australia detailed COVID-19 Information for workplaces. 

Information for employers

This website contains an information sheet which answers the following FAQs:

• What employers should do to reduce the risk of COVID-19

• Vulnerable employees

• Precautions for cleaning staff

• Can food and water spread coronavirus?

• How can we help prevent the spread of coronavirus?

• Can staff go to work?

• Return to work following quarantine

• Return to work following recovery from COVID-19

• Reducing stigma in the workplace

• Planning considerations

• Support for small business

Coronavirus and Australian workplace law

Fair Work Australia answers frequently asked questions about workplace obligations and entitlements for both employers and employees. It includes information about:

• Returning to work and the workplace

• Pay and leave during coronavirus

• JobKeeper wage subsidy scheme

• Temporary changes to workplace laws

• Health and safety in the workplace

• Alternative working arrangements

• Stand downs

• Ending employment and redundancy

Unpaid pandemic leave and annual leave changes to awards

On 8 April 2020, the Fair Work Commission (the Commission) made determinations varying 99 awards. The determinations inserted a temporary new schedule into these awards. The schedule provides employees with:

• 2 weeks of unpaid pandemic leave

• the ability to take twice as much annual leave at half their normal pay if their employer agrees

Resolving workplace issues during coronavirus

This page includes information to help employers and employees understand and follow Australian workplace laws, including:

• What you can do to work through and resolve workplace issues

• Disputes about eligibility for the JobKeeper scheme

• Disputes about directions or requests under the JobKeeper scheme

• Enforcement of the JobKeeper scheme: what Fair Work Ombudsman can help with

Returning to work and the workplace

As coronavirus restrictions start easing, a number of industries and businesses are starting to operate again. This means that many employers and employees are planning their return to work or to the workplace. Visit this page for information about:

• Changes to restrictions

• Planning the return to work

• Resolving issues when returning to work

• Managing the return to work

• Directions to return to work and the workplace

Health and safety in the workplace during coronavirus

Employers and workers need to follow the rules about health and safety in the workplace. Visit this page for information about:

• Workplace health and safety resources

• Safe Work Australia online toolkit

• COVIDSafe app

• Beyond Blue

• Going to work during coronavirus

• Protecting employees and customers during coronavirus

• Work-related travel during coronavirus

Safe Work Australia COVID-19 business resource kit

This website includes a range or resources for business to download and display in their workplaces, including checklists and infographics. The page also includes fact sheets regarding:

• Small business planning tool

• How to keep workers safe

• Workplace checklist

• Working from home: workstation setup guide

• Physical distancing checklist

• Cleaning checklist

• How to clean and disinfect your workplace

• Health, hygiene and facilities checklist

Coronavirus advice and guidance for NSW workplaces

This guide is to help businesses comply with their obligations under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 during the COVID-19 pandemic. This website includes information about:

• Assess the risk

• Notify SafeWork NSW

• Fee waivers during COVID-19: SafeWork NSW is waiving fees for a range of 12-month licences and permits, as well as reducing the cost of three and five year ones.

• Managing occupational violence

• Converting production lines

• Managing COVID-19 in different workplaces

• Pandemic planning advice

• Working from home during COVID-19

• Mental health at work during COVID-19

Getting back to work in a COVID safe way

Guidance from the NSW government for businesses, employers and workers to make their workplaces safe. Information includes:

• Complete a COVID Safe Check for your business

• Working from home guidance for employers

• Occupational violence and customer aggression

NSW Government flexible long service leave changes

On 25 March 2020, the NSW Parliament passed changes to long service leave, which will create greater flexibility for employers and employees to access leave during the COVID-19 crisis. The legislation will have effect for six months, with the possibility of an extension to one year. Key amendments are:

• waiving the one-month notice period for taking leave (by mutual agreement between employee and employer)

• greater flexibility for employees to take this leave in shorter blocks if they wish (rather than traditional monthly blocks)

Consumer and business rights

Some consumer and business rights have changed under COVID-19. Visit this NSW Fair Trading website to find out about consumer and business rights relating to:

• Fee waivers

• Renting and property

• Strata and community schemes

• Event and travel cancellations

• Shopping and subscription services

• Weddings

• Retirement villages and residential land lease communities

• Associations and co-operatives

• Electrical safety at home

• COVID-19 information for certifiers

Job Maker Plan

Thousands of jobs across Australia's arts industry will be backed with a new $250 million targeted package to help restart the creative economy and get the entertainment, arts and screen sectors back to work, as they rebuild from the impacts of COVID-19.

Resources for entertainment, live performance, arts and cultural activities

Visit this website for guidelines and responsibilities for venues and arts practice.

ArtsHub

ArtsHub is providing up to date information and news about COVID-19 and its impact on the arts. Visit this website to find out about:

• Non-member access to resources

• Relevant podcasts

• Creative solutions to maintain your business whilst social distancing.

Australia Council

Australia Council has announced a $5 million Resilience Fund for artists and arts organisations to support their livelihoods, practice and operations during COVID-19 pandemic. Visit this website to find out about:

• Quick response funding

• Changes to grant conditions

• Webinars and podcasts

• Arts and creative industry: digital support 

• Contribute to surveys capturing COVID-19 impact data for performers, crew, venues, events, visual artists and organisations, CALD creatives, the literature sector, media and entertainment, and dance. 

RE-IGNITE: a framework for the arts and cultural sectors in a COVID-19 environment 

Visit this website to access a practical, user-friendly guide for independent artists and organisations. It outlines how to confidently comply with government guidelines to recommence practice and open doors to welcome audiences, visitors and customers. It complies with the existing requirements of steps 2 and 3 of the Australian Government's 3-Step Framework for a COVIDSafe Australia.

Create NSW

Visit this website for information about reopening the Arts and Culture sector. Information includes:

• Drafting a COVID-19 Safety Plan for reopening

• NSW Government Industry Resources including guidelines for galleries and museums, dance studios, cinemas, theatres, concert halls and drive-in cinemas

• Sector-developed resources

Small Project Grants (Quick Response)

This program is to support the creation, development and presentation of new work and professional development or promotion FOR NSW-based professional artists and arts and cultural workers. This quick response grant mechanism offers grants from $500 to $5,000 towards projects. It currently has no closing date.

Ausdance NSW COVID-19 resources

Visit this website to access:

• Information, advice and advocacy about dance programs 

• Information about the impact of COVID-19 on the dance sector

• Regulation and guidance notes about delivering dance programs

Creative Business Plus

Creative Business Plus is providing information, training and support for those working within the creative and cultural industries. Visit this website to find out about:

• A range of free resources

• Advice sessions

• Workshops

FBi Radio

FBi Radio is providing support to the Creative and Cultural Sector through establishment of the In-It-Together Community Relief Directory, promoting cultural initiatives. Visit this website to register and find out more.

Support Act

Support Act is providing wellbeing support for musicians and music industry professionals. Visit this website to find out about:

• Crisis relief for those directly affected in the arts and music industry.

• Wellbeing Helpline

• Assistance

I Lost My Gig Survey

Bushfires and Coronavirus have led to the cancellation and postponement of hundreds of concerts, conferences, events and festivals across Australia and the rest of the world - with many more events still vulnerable. Many performers, businesses and contractors have lost vital income. The Australian Music Industry Network and the Australian Festival Association have joined with industry partners to tally the impact of these impacts on Australians - and hear your stories. Take the survey to share your experience and contribute to valuable data-gathering regarding the impacts of these disasters.

Live Performance Australia resources

• Live Performance Rebuild and Recovery Package Resource Sheet

• COVID-19 Industry Package

Regional Arts NSW Quick Response Grants

This grant offers funding of up to $2,000 to assist regional artists, arts organisations and communities to take up professional or skills development, or small project opportunities. Applications are open from 1 July 2020 to 30 June 2021. All Quick Response Grants projects must be completed by 1 January 2022.

1000x1000 Crisis Cash for Artists Campaign

This campaign offers one-off emergency payments to support independent artists in the performing arts who have been significantly affected by COVID-19. Applcications close on 21 August 2020.