COVID-19 information

You might ask yourself – can we as a nation take anymore – drought, bushfires, floods and now COVID-19! Yet, look how far we have come in managing to survive these catastrophes. Right now, our spirit and resilience has been tested from both a health and economic perspective. Social isolation is the norm, as too is working from home, learning at home, social distancing and for many, finding a way back to employment.

For those most vulnerable, there was some welcomed relief when restrictions were lifted which enabled two people and their dependants to visit another household in NSW. A decision that brought smiles to the faces of many families and friends.

The NSW Government is keen to get schools and businesses operating whilst implementing safe work practices too. Face-to-face teaching will return from 11 May 2020 with consideration to accelerating to a full return to school as soon as possible.

Increased retail activity can occur with some businesses choosing to re-open but needing to ensure social distancing and hygiene requirements are adhered to.

If you are struggling to pay your household energy bills during COVID-19, you can apply online or call Service NSW on 13 77 88 to access additional financial support thanks to a $30 million boost to the NSW Government’s emergency support Energy Accounts Payment Assistance (EAPA) Scheme.

Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holders who have already applied this financial year, can reapply again from 1 July 2020 for the new financial year.

In an Australian first, heat maps pinpointing COVID-19 cases by postcode will now show how many people have recovered from the virus, the estimated number of active local cases and number of tests completed.

You can access the heat map at: https://www. nsw.gov.au/covid-19/find-facts-about-covid-19 and for further COVID-19 information visit www.nsw.gov.au.

NEW WINDSOR BRIDGE OPENS
From 16th May 2020 you can access the new Windsor Bridge. There is a transition period with night road works occurring from Friday 15th May. You can expect traffic delays over that weekend.

Freemans Reach Road will be closed for 12 weeks with detours are in place. More information is available when you call the Traffic Information Line on 132 701, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW App.

This bridge is an important piece of infrastructure that will provide a safe and reliable crossing for all road users and pedestrians. I thank all the hard working men and women who have been involved in this long awaited project