To deal with the public health risk of COVID-19 and its possible consequences, the Minister for Health and Medical Research has made a number of Public Health Orders, under section 7 of the Public Health Act 2010. Orders may be amended frequently. For the most up to date Orders, and the history of each Order, visit NSW Legislation - COVID-related legislation.
For help in understanding the Public Health Orders, refer to NSW Government: What you can and can't do under the rules and Industry guidelines for COVID Safe workplaces.
Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order (No 2) 2022 Dated 8 June 2022.
The General Order outlines general COVID-19 restrictions in NSW.
Public Health (COVID-19 Care Services) Order (No 2) 2022Commenced 5pm, 10 June 2022.
The Order outlines vaccination requirements for aged care and disability workers and restrictions on visitors to aged care facilities.
An exemption allows unvaccinated visitors for a resident who is at the end of their life, provided some conditions are met.
An exemption is in place for workers under the age of 16 years in relation to the requirement for a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
An exemption is in place for aged care or disability workers with two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to continue working, subject to a number of conditions including taking reasonable steps to receive their third dose as soon as practicable and being essential to the operation of a residential aged care facility or the provision of services to people with a disability or people receiving in-home and community aged care services. This exemption has been extended until 6 September 2022.
An exemption is in place for disability workers and people entering a residential aged care facility to provide services, in-home and age care service workers in relation to a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Public Health (COVID-19 Self-Isolation) Order (No 2) 2022 Dated 30 May 2022. Amended 11 July 2022.
The Order outlines the self-isolation requirements for people testing positive to COVID-19.
An exemption is in place for COVID-19 positive birthing partners.
For additional advice, refer to the:
It is an offence to not comply with a Public Health Order. Penalties can apply to individuals and corporations. Additional on the spot fines can also apply.