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COVID-19 updates

Updated Friday 24th September 2021

RED CROSS EXTREME HARDSHIP SUPPORT PROGRAM (EHSP)

$$$ available. Apply to the Red Cross by September 30th. Non visa holders and temporary visa holders can apply. More information here.

COVID-19 – PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS
Find out current restrictions for Greater Sydney here. Restrictions in local areas of concern have changed on 19 September.

Watch videos in many languages to help you understand the Sydney lockdown.

PICNIC RULES FROM SEPTEMBER 13
People across NSW (including in local areas of concern) who have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine are now able to meet up to 4 others outside.

Up to 5 fully vaccinated adults can meet outdoors (including for picnics) in a person’s LGA or within 5km of home. Children under 12 will not be counted in this total. Read more on rules for local areas of concern.

AREAS OF CONCERN – SOME RESTRICTIONS NOW LIFTED
For latest updates on additional restrictions covering Areas of Concern go to the NSW Government areas of concern page. You can change the language at the top of the page.

VACCINE AND TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS FOR WORKERS

  • Latest requirements for authorised workers here.
  • Latest COVID 19 vaccination updates for workers here.
  • Register your travel if you need to enter or leave an Area of Concern for work here.
  • Carry a record of your registration AND supporting document, such as a letter from your boss.
  • Book a priority Pfizer vaccine here.

PROOF OF VACCINATION
You do not need to pay any money for proof of your vaccination.
Do not respond to any SMS text messages that ask you to click on a link.

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMS! If you have been asked to pay for a vaccine passport or vaccine certificate or proof of vaccine it is a scam. Do not pay any money. If you have received an SMS with a link to a COVID 19 passport or similar delete it immediately. Do not click the link.

If you have been asked to pay for proof of vaccination or sent an SMS you are concerned about contact the Asylum Seekers Centre for further help PH: 02 90781900.

COVID 19 AND THE LAW

Free legal assistance is available if you are facing a police or legal issue under the COVID-19 public health laws. This could include fines or charges related to a public health order. Legal Aid NSW has information in English about COVID -19 legal issues here.

If you’d like to speak to someone about legal or police issues, you can call LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529.

COVID-19 VACCINATION

Pfizer vaccine for 16-39 year olds in Areas of Concern.
Bookings for Pfizer vaccination for 16-39 year olds in Areas of Concern can now be made. Find out more information and where to get one here.

You don’t need a Medicare card
If you don’t have a current Medicare card, or are not eligible for Medicare, you can still get a COVID-19 vaccine. Check here.

People seeking asylum can get a COVID-19 vaccination. Find out more about vaccination in lots of languages.

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT FOR A VACCINE
Find out where to make an appointment to get a vaccine – Eligibility check and book a vaccine.

VACCINATION UPDATES
Latest information about how to get a vaccination in NSW from NSW Health (NSW Government) here.

MEDIA CONFERENCES IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES VIA SBS
The media conferences will be translated in real-time into Arabic, Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Assyrian and Khmer, accessible via the SBS Arabic24, SBS Vietnamese, SBS Chinese, SBS Cantonese, SBS Assyrian and SBS Khmer Facebook pages, as well as SBS Radio.

COVID-19 DISASTER PAYMENTS – apply by phone only
If you have the right to work in Australia and you have lost work, you may be able to get a government payment. You must call to apply. Expect long waiting times on the phone. Stay on the line. Have any records (like payslips) of your previous work ready. Call as soon as you can if you lost work due to COVID-19.

  • To apply call Services Australia emergency line on 180 22 66
  • To apply with a translator call the Multilingual Phone Service 131 202

Please note that Services Australia now includes Centrelink and Medicare.

Check for updates on the Australian Government website: More information
More translated information.

TEST AND ISOLATE PAYMENT
If you need to self-isolate and are unable to work while waiting for your COVID-19 test result, you may be eligible for a one-off NSW government payment of $320. Check the eligibility criteria here. Apply through the Service NSW website.