It is announced that the NSW Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions after the
95% double dose vaccination target is reached, or from 15 December 2021, whichever comes first.
The adjustments the NSW Government proposes to make once the above milestone is reached are:
- Covid-19 Safety Plan will become optional for businesses;
- Face masks will no longer be required when working indoors, on construction sites or when
carpooling with other people who are not members of the same household; - QR check-ins will no longer be required for construction sites, offices, factories etc. QR check-
ins will only be required at high-risk venues such as hospitals, aged and disability care
facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services and
others; and - Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by a Public Health Order for most activities.
However, businesses can still require proof at their own discretion.
What about the new COVID-19 strain?
Although the NSW Government is easing the restrictions in NSW, we must be cautious of the
Omicron strain that has recently affected 55 people with one already admitted to hospital. The
Omicron strain has been detected to be the most dangerous and virulent strain of COVID-19.
The NSW Government has already proposed to the public of the benefits of receiving a booster dose
of the vaccine. A booster shot will mainly make the initial vaccine stronger, more protective and
longer lasting.
Even though there is a possibility of having a booster shot, it is not mandatory and it may be that
another lockdown may occur to the industry in the future if hospitalisation levels rise.
It may be beneficial that you revise your construction contracts and changes to LD’s, EOT and other
relevant provisions to seek to mitigate losses seen during the Delta strain.
Our team are available to assist in reviewing, amending or updating your contracts to seek to ensure
you are in the best position to seek to be protected from any further risks and issues that may affect
your business operation if another lockdown occurs.
Should you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to contact our Ziv Ben-Arie on
[email protected] or Rishon Cross on [email protected]
Authors: Ziv Ben-Arie (Managing Principal) and Rishon Cross (Paralegal)