Covid news: Aid for businesses welcomed

This blog is a gathering of local Covid reports – including an unfiltered collection of the original media releases that inform the news.  For the latest local news, see the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District website. For case locations, see the NSW Health website. To book a vaccine, click here.

With the NSW lockdown over, this lockdown blog is now closed. Hurray! Updates will now appear in our News section.

Thursday, 14 October 2021

BACK TO SCHOOL RISKS 'SMALL', WRITES LOCAL GP

"The fantastic community response to vaccination for COVID-19 in New South Wales has enabled health departments to ease lockdown restrictions earlier than expected. This includes bringing forward the date for school children to return to their classrooms for face-to-face lessons." – read the full story by Dr Jeffrey Hall of Bulli Medical Practice here.

BUSINESS ILLAWARRA: LET’S MAKE THE ILLAWARRA’S ALFRESCO REVOLUTION HAPPEN

The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of more funds for businesses, councils and individuals, aimed at to boosting the hospitality sector out of lockdown and kicking off a summertime alfresco revolution.

The NSW Government has announced a range of measures to facilitate outdoor dining under the ‘Alfresco Restart Initiative’, including:

• $5,000 grants to expand or make improvements to their alfresco areas;
• A six-month emergency exemption for venues to expand onto private land;
• Two additional, $25 ‘Dine and Discover’ vouchers for eligible adults;
• The permanent easing of rules for dining on footpaths and public spaces; and
• Up to $500,000 in grants to Councils to improve high streets and surrounding areas.

“The importance of outdoor dining to the recovery of our region’s hospitality sector cannot be overstated, and a recent report found that during the pandemic, 75 percent of businesses that expanded an outdoor dining offering generated at least an additional $1,642 per week in revenue,” said Business Illawarra Executive Director Adam Zarth.

“Councils will be integral to driving this ‘alfresco revolution’ forward, and we hope that they take full advantage of the $500,000 in grants to beautify our streetscapes, as well as the reduction in red tape to make sure their approvals processes are easy to navigate for small businesspeople who are time-poor and often understaffed.”

“Hospitality businesses will welcome the $5,000 grants to expand their offering by purchasing additional furniture, weather protection, lighting, temporary ground surfaces and even paying entertainers.”

“Importantly these grants are limited to 5,000 businesses on a first in first served basis, so I would encourage those businesses who fit the criteria to get their application in as soon as possible. We want to see as many businesses in the Illawarra as possible access these grants.”

“There’s more good news on the ‘Dine and Discover’ front as well, with the evidence clearly showing that people are spending more than the $25 that the voucher contains, meaning businesses are not only benefitting from the stimulus, but are also gaining new customers.”

“Businesses are enthusiastic about the coming months as people return to their favourite cafes restaurants and attractions like cinemas, Symbio Wildlife Park and Jamberoo Action Park in our region. This welcome support will help a number of smaller businesses get back on their feet and employ more locals.”

“The hospitality sector has suffered immensely over the past two years, and this support will encourage people to get out and about during the Summer months and enjoy what their local businesses have to offer,” Mr Zarth said.

Tuesday, 12 October 2021

BUSINESS ILLAWARRA: MORE SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS A WELCOME MOVE

The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of further financial support for small businesses which continue to confront challenges as they re-open.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has announced a rebate for non-payroll tax paying businesses has been extended to $2,000 and can now include tolls, while businesses have now been provided a stock guarantee of $20,000 for perishable goods and $10,000 for non-perishable items should a lockdown occur in December or January 2022.

“Business confidence has taken a hit in recent times and we know one of the pressure points for business has been being left with stock they can’t sell while their business is closed,” said Business Illawarra Executive Director Adam Zarth.

“Businesses can now plan and order the stock they the think they’ll need while they begin to scale up again, with the knowledge the Government has a level of protection in place for them,” Mr Zarth said.

“This confidence will be particularly welcome in the Illawarra, where lockdowns have had a dramatic impact on business prosperity – not only have they missed out on local trade but tourists from Sydney who stay and spend money.”

“Throughout the pandemic, the Government has worked closely with business on designing support packages that will help soften the blow of the restrictions on business, this is another example of support for business owners to regain their confidence.”

“A recent survey of almost 2,000 of our members revealed 53 per cent of business would be closed without the COVID-19 assistance program from Government, and 40 per cent of businesses reported that due to the COVID-19 assistance programs they will allow business to ‘snap back’.”

“Yesterday we saw so much optimism around business in the Illawarra now that we are officially ‘back to business’ and this is a further boost for business owners to plan the next few months of operations with further support measures in place,” Mr Zarth said.

38 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) confirms 38 local residents have tested positive to COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.

Of the new cases:

 17 are from the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 9 are linked to known cases

Postcodes - 2500 (1 case), 2502 (2), 2506 (1), 2516 (1), 2517 (1) 2518 (3), 2525 (1), 2526 (3), 2530 (4)

 15 are from the Shellharbour LGA – 2 are linked to a known case

Postcodes – 2527 (10), 2529 (5)

 6 are from the Shoalhaven LGA – 2 is linked to a known case

Postcodes – 2540 (4), 2541 (2)

 There are no new cases from the Kiama LGA

There have now been 2,139 local cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District since the start of the current outbreak in June.

Monday, 11 October 2021

BACK TO BUSINESS DAY

Today's Business Illawarra media release urges communituy to 'be kind, follow the rules':

The region’s peak business organisation, Business Illawarra, has today welcomed the lifting of restrictions as Back to Business Day, calling on the community to be kind to frontline staff and follow the COVID rules.

After 106 days in lockdown, the reopening of businesses across the Illawarra under the NSW Government’s roadmap is a cause for major celebration for customers, business owners and staff alike.  However the reopening will come with its challenges, expected to stem from the complexity of COVID rules still in place, as well as skills and workforce shortages across key sectors.

Business Illawarra Executive Director Adam Zarth said that members of the community should be patient when dealing with frontline staff, and to acquaint themselves with the COVID rules; particularly those requiring them to provide proof of vaccination when entering a business.

“We’re excited that ‘Back to Business Day’ is finally here, and that businesses can reopen their doors to fully vaccinated customers. Our role as members of the community is to be kind, be patient and follow the COVID rules,” said Mr Zarth.

“These include preparing to provide proof of vaccination when entering a business and checking in, observing social distancing and density limits, wearing masks.”

“For those that are yet to become fully vaccinated we ask that you be patient until restrictions are eased further in coming weeks and that the necessary steps are taken to get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

“Right now businesses are navigating the complex and changing COVID safe rules, as well as workforce shortages that are acute in key sectors like hospitality and retail.”

“While skills and workforce shortages have been an underlying issue facing businesses across the Illawarra for some time, they have been drastically worsened by the closure of international borders, causing a lack of foreign migration, international students and backpackers.”

“On top of that, the length of the most recent lockdown has unfortunately seen many workers departing businesses and sometimes entire sectors, and businesses have been working hard to re-hire and retrain new staff.”

“Please be patient while dealing with businesses that may be understaffed, be training new staff or have staff that are still developing new skills,” Mr Zarth said.

38 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) confirms 38 local residents have tested positive to COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of the new cases:

 17 are from the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 8 are linked to known cases Postcodes - 2500 (2 case), 2502 (4), 2505 (1), 2506 (1), 2515 (2), 2518 (1), 2525 (1), 2530 (5)

 11 are from the Shellharbour LGA – 3 are linked to a known case Postcodes – 2527 (6), 2528 (3), 2529 (2)

 10 are from the Shoalhaven LGA – 1 is linked to a known case Postcodes – 2540 (1), 2541 (9)

 There are no new cases from the Kiama LGA.

More info here.

Friday, 8 October 2021

BLOOMING IN LOCKDOWN

"For a lot of us, it’s been a long three months since we’ve been able to enjoy a coffee with co-workers, embrace our friends, or celebrate milestones with loved ones. So 2508 residents have found a fresh way to show they care – via beautiful bouquets delivered to local doorsteps." Read about the trend to send flowers to friends here.

COUNCIL'S MESSAGE TO COMMUNITY

While we know there is an updated Public Health Order that comes into effect on Monday 11 October 2021, we’re taking a risk-based approach to any potential changes. The safety of our community and our staff is paramount. We continue to monitor our local community COVID-19 transmission rates and vaccination rates. This means, we’re not fast-tracking opening up facilities like our libraries, community centres, leisure centres and tourist parks. Full story here.

48 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS

For the 24 hour period to 8pm Thursday, 7 October there were 48 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:

38 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA)

6 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA

4 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA

0 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA

1,951 total community acquired COVID-19 cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in this outbreak was reported (cases not necessarily acquired within the Local Health District).

Below we have provided postcodes for confirmed cases as a guide to alert the community who live in these areas that COVID-19 may be circulating in their suburb and surrounds. We do this to ensure all residents within the postcode know they need to be extra vigilant when leaving their home, when monitoring for symptoms and getting tested if they feel unwell.

Individual suburb breakdowns are not provided as it does not accurately reflect where cases may have been during their infectious period.

• Wollongong LGA – 38

> 2500 – 6

> 2502 – 7

> 2505 – 5

> 2506 – 6

> 2515 – 1

> 2518 – 2

> 2519 – 2

> 2525 – 2

> 2526 – 3

> 2530 – 4

• Shellharbour LGA – 6

> 2527 – 1

> 2528 – 3

> 2529 – 2

• Shoalhaven LGA – 4

> 2540 – 2

> 2541 – 2

• Kiama LGA – 0 cases

To view all case data for our District, visit our website: https://bit.ly/ISLHD-case-numbers

To view all venues of concerns for NSW, visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/.../nsw-covid-19.../case-locations

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/find-the-facts-about-covid-19

Thursday, 7 October 2021

RE: 2508 CASE

Following reports on social media that restaurants in the 2508 postcode have had local cases, an Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District spokesperson said: "As part of the routine contact process venues are notified so that close and casual contacts can be quickly established and provided with the relevant health advice. People who may have been there at the same time are contacted directly, particularly using the QR code system.

"NSW Health confirms venues where there is an ongoing public health risk. If this site is confirmed as being a risk, then the community will be advised via the NSW Health website. Once a venue is listed, we then share that information via our Facebook page.

"Best advice is to keep an eye on the NSW Health venue website and our Facebook page."

60 CASES, ISLHD REPORTS

60 confirmed COVID-19 Cases in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven

For the 24 hour period to 8pm Wednesday, 6 October there were 60 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:

45 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA)

6 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA

9 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA

0 case who is a resident of Kiama LGA

1,903 total community acquired COVID-19 cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in this outbreak was reported (cases not necessarily acquired within the Local Health District).

Below we have provided postcodes for confirmed cases as a guide to alert the community who live in these areas that COVID-19 may be circulating in their suburb and surrounds. We do this to ensure all residents within the postcode know they need to be extra vigilant when leaving their home, when monitoring for symptoms and getting tested if they feel unwell.

Individual suburb breakdowns are not provided as it does not accurately reflect where cases may have been during their infectious period.

• Wollongong LGA – 45

> 2500 – 2

> 2502 – 8

> 2506 – 13

> 2508 – 1

> 2518 – 2

> 2519 – 3

> 2525 – 2

> 2526 – 3

> 2530 – 11

• Shellharbour LGA – 6

> 2527 – 2

> 2528 – 3

> 2529 – 1

• Shoalhaven LGA – 9

> 2540 – 5

> 2541 – 4

• Kiama LGA – 0 cases

To view all case data for our District, visit our website: https://bit.ly/ISLHD-case-numbers

To view all venues of concerns for NSW, visit: http://www.nsw.gov.au/.../nsw-covid-19.../case-locations

To see vaccination rates by postcode visit www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/find-the-facts-about-covid-19

FROM BUSINESS NSW: BACK TO BUSINESS DAY

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW says confirmation that businesses will be able to re-open on Monday will be a cause for celebration within the business and broader community.

Following confirmation that NSW has reached the 70% double vaccination rate, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has re-assured businesses that they can open on Monday 11 October, for double-vaccinated customers.

“We have reached the milestone quicker than initially expected, thanks to the community across NSW stepping up, and as a result business can re-open,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.

“Premier Perrottet has also confirmed that when we reach the 80% milestone, masks won’t be required to be worn in office environments. That will have a huge impact on the return to work procedures of many businesses and will provide a big boost to the various CBD’s across the state,” Mr Hunter said.

“Next Monday is being called ‘back-to-business day’ because that’s what it is for hundreds of thousands of business owners and their employees across our state.

“This is going to be a celebration of everything that’s great about business, done in a Covid Safe way.

“We are encouraging people to use the hashtag #backtobusiness in their social media posts to share with us how they are going to celebrate on the day.

“Business owners may want to share what they’ve missed most and how they will reengage with their customers. It might be through some re-opening specials, buy-oneget-one free offers, or simply decorating their stores and building that party atmosphere.

“We’d like customers to share how they’ll support their local business on Monday. Many people are already talking about ‘paying it forward’ so their local business can have some much-needed cashflow.

“The support we have seen so far for our local businesses has been overwhelming.

“The #backtobusiness campaign is about celebrating businesses of all shapes and sizes that have been decimated by the lockdowns – and showing the gratitude, strength and resilience of the community,” Mr Hunter said.

MORE PFIZER

Our District is now offering PFIZER vaccinations in more locations than ever, with walk-in appointments available at our Mass Vaccination Centre in Wollongong from Friday, 8 October, and at the Shellharbour City Centre Vaccine Clinic from Wednesday, 13 October. Follow the Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD Facebook page for more.

Wednesday, 6 October 2021

51 NEW CASES, ISLHD REPORTS

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) confirms 51 local residents have tested positive to COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of the new cases:

 42 are from the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 14 are linked to known cases

Postcodes - 2500 (5 cases), 2502 (5), 2505 (1), 2506 (5) 2515 (1), 2517 (2), 2518 (4), 2519 (2), 2525 (8), 2526 (1), 2530 (8)

 5 are from the Shellharbour LGA - 4 are linked to known cases

Postcodes – 2527 (4), 2529 (1)

 4 are from the Shoalhaven LGA - 1 are linked to a known cases

Postcodes – 2535 (1) 2540 (1), 2541 (2)

 There are no new cases from the Kiama LGA

Sadly, a man in his 70s from the Wollongong LGA died at Wollongong Hospital. He had underlying health conditions. ISLHD extends sincere condolences to his family.

There have now been 1843 local cases of COVID-19 in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District since the start of the current outbreak in June.

As at 8pm Monday, 4 October there were 40 COVID-19 patients being treated in hospital.

Click here for the latest case locations as at 8am today.

THE ROADMAP, BY NSW HEALTH

NSW will start to reopen for the fully vaccinated and those with medical exemptions the Monday after we reach our 70% and 80% full vaccination targets. Reopening is expected to be Monday 11 October for the 70% full vaccination target.

Details on the roadmap

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions

Tuesday, 5 October 2021

51 NEW CASES

Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) confirms 51 local residents have tested positive to COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night. Of the new cases:

 34 are from the Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 11 are linked to known cases Postcodes - 2500 (10 cases), 2502 (2), 2506 (3), 2515 (1), 2517 (3), 2518 (3), 2519 (4), 2525 (2), 2526 (2), 2530 (4)

 11 are from the Shellharbour LGA - 5 are linked to known cases Postcodes – 2527 (5), 2528 (3), 2529 (3)

 6 are from the Shoalhaven LGA - 2 are linked to a known cases Postcodes – 2540 (3), 2541 (3)

 There are no new cases from the Kiama LGA

Who can’t have a COVID vaccine and how do I get a medical exemption?

"There are some people who can’t get a COVID vaccine for medical reasons, though these are very rare. So what are these conditions, and if you have one of them, how can you prove it?" – read the article by paediatrician Margie Danchin at The Conversation website.

126 CASES OVER THE WEEKEND

Cases reported in the Illawarra Shoalhaven District on Saturday and Sunday totalled 126.

SUNDAY'S REPORT

For the 24 hour period to 8pm Sunday, 3 October there were 77 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:

• 54 cases from Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 15 are linked to known cases
• 13 cases from Shellharbour LGA - four are linked to known cases
• 9 cases from Shoalhaven LGA - two are linked to known cases
• 1 case from Kiama LGA - investigations ongoing

Postcode breakdown:

Individual suburb breakdowns are not provided as it does not accurately reflect where cases may have been during their infectious period.  Please Note: the LHD will provide postcodes for confirmed cases as a guide to alert the community who live in these areas that COVID-19 may be circulating in their suburb and surrounds. We do this to ensure all residents within the postcode know they need to be extra vigilant when leaving their home, when monitoring for symptoms and getting tested if they feel unwell.

As at 8pm Sunday, 3 October there were 41 COVID-19 patients being treated in Wollongong Hospital.

There were more than 37,700 COVID tests carried out in the Illawarra Shoalhaven for the week ending Sunday, 26 September.

NSW Health provides information about venues of concern where there has been a risk of community transmission from known cases. A list of venues and advice can be found here.

SATURDAY'S REPORT

For the 24 hour period to 8pm Saturday, 2 October there were 49 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:

• 31 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - four are linked to known cases
• 13 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - nine are linked to known cases
• 5 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - two are linked to known cases

Sadly, the District is reporting the death of one person with COVID-19. A man in his 60s from Wollongong died at home. He was not vaccinated and had underlying health conditions. The District extends its sincere condolences to his loved ones.

Postcode breakdown:

Friday, 1 October 2021

WHO'S BEHIND #VAXTHEILLAWARRA

Its message is clear – unlike the Federal Government’s July campaign to ‘Arm Yourself’, it can’t be confused with an instruction to get a weapon. In fact, with a swish website, graphics and strategy, it’s so professional you might think it was a cashed-up Department of Health initiative, rather than a grassroots effort relying largely on talented volunteers. So who’s behind #VaxTheIllawarra? Read the feature published in the October print edition of 2515 Coast News and 2508 District News.

96 NEW CASES, WITH POSTCODE BREAKDOWN

For the 24 hour period to 8pm Thursday, 30 September there were 96 new COVID-19 cases recorded for the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District. Details are as follows:

• 64 cases who are residents of Wollongong Local Government Area (LGA) - 12 are linked to known cases and 52 are under investigation
• 15 cases who are residents of Shellharbour LGA - four are linked to known cases and 11 are under investigation
• 17 cases who are residents of Shoalhaven LGA - five are linked to a known cases and 12 are under investigation.

COVID BY POSTCODE

• Wollongong LGA – 64
> 2500 - 16
> 2502 - 4
> 2505 - 1
> 2506 - 1
> 2508 - 2
> 2515 - 1
> 2516 - 1
> 2517 - 5
> 2518 - 10
> 2519 - 7
> 2525 - 3
> 2526 - 7
> 2530 - 6

• Shellharbour LGA – 15
> 2527 - 2
> 2528 - 10
> 2529 - 3

• Shoalhaven LGA – 17
> 2540 - 6
> 2541 - 11

• Kiama LGA – 0 cases