Under NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Gathering Restrictions) Order (No 2) 2021, in effect from 2 June 2021.
The Commonwealth Department of Health as part of the COVID-19 restrictions advised CHSP providers on 23 March 2020 to suspend group services until further notice.
On 21 May 2020 the Commonwealth Department of Health advised CHSP providers that group services could resume with appropriate safeguards in place and in accordance with individual State and territory Public Health Orders. Department of Health Face to Face Advice – COVID-19 update 21 May 2020
Schedule 2 (14) states a gathering to provide a service to assist vulnerable members of the public, including, for example, a food bank or a service providing for the needs of homeless persons is exempt from ensuring 4 square metres of space per person under Clause 8 (1) (h).
In the interests of minimising risks for CHSP group clients, it is recommended that:
Under the NSW Public Health (COVID-19 Gathering Restrictions) Order (No 2) 2021, in effect from 2 June 2021:
It is recommended that CHSP providers ensure one person per 2 square metres of space participate in group services.
Under [Clause 6 (1)(a)] of the current NSW Public Health Order any person engaged in work on the premises is excluded when calculating both the space available for each person and the number of persons on the premises.
Example – requirements for a room of 100 square metres:
Yes, under Clause 10 of the Public Health Order a community centre must have a Gyms and indoor recreation – COVID-19 Safety Plan for how clients and staff will be kept safe. Community centres are listed in Schedule 1 (10) as premises requiring a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Under Clause 10 (a), the occupiers of the premises must develop and comply with a COVID-19 Safety Plan. The Safety Plan must address the COVID-19 safety checklist approved by the Chief Health Officer in relation to the type of premises and published on the NSW Government website.
A copy of the COVID-19 Safety Plan must be kept on the premises and made available for inspection by an authorised officer on request.
Schedule 2 (3) of the Public Health Order indicates that restrictions on gatherings at premises do not apply where normal business is being conducted at a hospital, medical or health facility. However, in the interests of minimising risks for vulnerable clients, it is recommended that the restrictions and risk-based approaches described above for community centres be similarly adopted for CHSP group services conducted at a NSW Health facility.
CHSP Managers should, noting client vulnerability and benefits of group attendance, undertake a risk management approach including:
Additional resources include: