4:45pm, 5th August, 2021
Member clubs in the local government areas (LGAs) of Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock are advised that the NSW Government is imposing a seven-day lockdown in these eight LGAs to commence from 5pm today, Thursday 5 August until 12.01am on Friday, 13 August.
The lockdown will require clubs to cease all on-premises activities. Clubs may continue to operate takeaway food and beverage sales.
Club employees or contractors may continue to visit the club to upkeep the premises and carry out administrative functions which cannot be done from home.
The restrictions in the eight LGAs are intended to mirror those in Greater Sydney. While the public health order giving effect to the announcement has not yet been made, ClubsNSW notes that golf is permitted in Greater Sydney.
Clubs in the locked down LGAs may utilise the stand-down provisions under section 524 of the Fair Work Act 2009. Employees who are stood down are not entitled to payment for the period of the stand-down.
Member clubs are advised that the NSW Government has issued a new COVID-19 safety checklist, which thereby requires clubs to update their COVID-19 safety plan in accordance with the checklist.
New COVID-19 safety checklist
The new checklist is now in effect. Clubs are reminded that the public health order requires them to have and comply with a COVID-19 safety plan which is based on the most up-to-date checklist.
The new checklist for clubs (Hospitality COVID Safety Plan), has been updated to require businesses to describe how they will address the specified matters.
The updated checklist can be found here. The updated checklist for significant events (e.g. weddings, wakes and school formals) can be found here.
Currently, the new COVID-19 safety checklist only applies to clubs outside the lockdown area.
Encouraging staff to access the COVID-19 vaccine
The new checklist also includes a requirement for clubs to encourage staff to access a COVID-19 vaccination.
For more information or any questions, please contact the ClubsNSW Members Enquiries Centre.