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Coronavirus COVID-19

Preparing for Easing of Restrictions and Return to Work

Australia’s federal, state and territory governments are gradually easing restrictions around public gatherings, how businesses can operate, and regional travel. The pages linked below summarise our understanding of current government responses and do not replace the government’s formally issued advice.

When considering which restrictions are applicable to you, note that local State/Territory regulations take precedence over Commonwealth instructions.

**Please note that the Australian government responses to Covid-19 are changing regularly and remain the authoritative source for what is and isn’t permitted.

State & Territory Specific information

The following information may also help you prepare for the easing of workplace restrictions:

PAA/APMA Proposed Return to Work plan

Assessing COVID-19 risk in the workplace

Hygiene and cleaning advice and information

COVID-19 Information, Help & Support

COVID-19 Health Updates

Australian Government – Essential information, latest announcements
Australian Government Department of Health website – For the latest information about COVID-19 in Australia.
The World Health Organisation  – Provides daily updates, information and guidance about the global outbreak.

Business: Employer/Employee, Finance & Support

14 July 2021: Increased COVID-19 disaster payments and business supports announced by Scott Morrison.

Business Costs Assistance Program Applications open 3 June 2021. The program provides $2,500 or $5000 grants for eligible employing and non-employing businesses in sectors most impacted.

Australian Government – Support for Business – including Companies, Sole Traders and Employers (JobKeepers Allowance, JobSeekers Allowance, etc.)
Australian Tax Office – Information about ATO measures and tailored support during COVID-19
Treasury – Economic Response to the Coronavirus
Fairwork Australia – Coronavirus and Australian workplace laws
Business.gov.au – Coronavirus information and support for businesses
Australian Competition & Consumer Commission – Understanding Small Business rights and obligations under Australian Consumer Law during COVID-19.

KPMG – A list of government grants available to assist private, mid-market and family businesses affected by the impacts of COVID-19 (document at bottom of their webpage).

Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business Owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders the support they need.

Business: Creative suggestions, tools, how to’s
Mindbodyonline – Creative Ways Fitness Businesses Are Approaching Life in the COVID-19 Landscape
Personal health
Beyond Blue – Looking after your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak
Headspace – How to cope with stress related to Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Head to Health – This page describes practical psychological skills to help cope with anxiety and worry about infectious diseases
The Flourishing Center – 20 Mind and body tools to overcome anxiety
The Black Dog Institute – Coronavirus: Resources for anxiety, stress & well being including when working from home
Lifeline – Mental health and wellbeing tips and strategies to continue looking after ourselves and each other during these difficult times
FutureLearn – Selection of free courses aimed at anyone with an interest in mental illness generally, and anxiety and depression in particular

Online forums

  • Beyond Blue have established a dedicated COVID-19 online forum for people to share their concerns and connect online to support one another.
  • ReachOut have online youth forums and online parents forums for COVID-19 offering peer support in safe and established online communities.
  • SANE have an active online forum focused on unpacking fact from fiction about COVID-19 and providing self-care strategies.

Resources for teaching online

Many studios and teachers are beginning to set up online sessions and classes for their clients, as social distancing and government restrictions impact business. This may be a steep learning curve for some teachers so the page linked below has useful resources to help you set up.

Resources for Teaching Classes Online