NSW recorded 941 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 120,993 tests. Sadly, six deaths were recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. NSW Health has reported that 26,504 vaccines were administered in the same time period. More than 63 per cent of the NSW population aged 16 and over is now fully vaccinated. More information on today’s statistics here.

Stay-at-home orders will be extended until 11 October for a number of LGAs in regional NSW due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health risk. The extension will apply in the following LGAS: Bathurst Regional, Bourke, Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Kiama, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Lithgow, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee. Due to recent transmission of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders will also be introduced for the Snowy Monaro LGA as of 3pm today (Thursday) for seven days. These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has visited the Snowy Monaro LGA since 22 September. More here. More here.

The Stronger Communities’ COVID emergency provisions have now been extended for a further six months. They will now sunset on 26 March 2022 instead of 26 September 2021. The Stronger Communities Legislation Amendment (COVID-19) Regulation 2021 and Court Security Amendment Regulation 2021 have been published on the NSW legislation website and have commenced.

The Chief Magistrate’s Memo has been amended to extend the memo until Friday 8 October, pursuant to the extension of the current Public Health Orders and adjustments to the Courts within LGAs that are subject to stay-at-home orders. See Gazette Number 485 here.

To assist law firms and legal practices, members of the Law Society’s Employment Law Committee have written an informative article examining the legal framework surrounding mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations and the workplace, which has been published in this month’s LSJ.

Want to make a difference in the legal profession? Submit an expression of interest by 5pm on 1 October 2021 to join one of the Law Society’s Committees. Apply here.

To support the safe use of rapid antigen self-tests and following extensive consultation, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will make a new regulation by 1 October 2021 that will allow companies to formally apply for TGA regulatory approval after 1 October to legally supply their self-tests for use at home in Australia after 1 November 2021. Read the guidance here.

The NSW Government will fund an extension of the JobSaver program to help businesses re-open their doors and get people back to work as restrictions start to ease. When NSW reaches the 70 per cent double vaccination rate, JobSaver payments will be tapered from 40 per cent to 30 per cent of weekly payroll. When NSW reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination rate, the joint Commonwealth and NSW Government JobSaver payments will cease and the Commonwealth will end its contributions. At that time, the NSW Government will continue to fund its 50 per cent contribution to JobSaver payments. Read the details here.