COVID-19 Community Sector Resource

COVID-19 has been a stark reminder of the heightened vulnerability of people living in disadvantaged circumstances, and the ongoing need for contingency planning to ensure people aren’t further disadvantaged. We have compiled this resource to provide the latest information on COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) relevant to the health and community services sector and help the sector maintain service continuity.

Always check the NSW Health website for the latest information about public health orders, current advice on isolating and testing and COVID-19 symptoms and advice.

You can find the latest information and advice on this page.

• Advice for Service Providers
• COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters
• Information for the Sector

Advice for Service Providers

If you have staff members that test positive for COVID-19, or are undergoing testing because they are considered at-risk, and this disrupts your staffing levels and service delivery, please contact your contract manager to discuss an appropriate response.

We have assurances your usual funding arrangements should not be impacted, if there is a need to temporarily suspend or change some elements of your service in response to COVID-19.

The latest management and vaccination policy advice for service providers from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) can be found here.

As from 1 February 2022, the only reporting requirements for service providers to report COVID-19 positive incidents to your DCJ contract manager are where:

• a child or young person in out-of-home-care or similar arrangements has been reported with COVID-19, and where the child or young person is under Parental Responsibility to the Minister (PRM)
• a child or young person in PRM is unwell or hospitalised from COVID.

Updated DCJ advice and after-hours contacts are located here.

You may also consult your  local Public Health Unit or call the NSW Health state-wide number 1300 066 055 and follow the options.

Important Information on COVID-19 Vaccines and Boosters

Vaccination appointments are available at more than 3000 locations across NSW including pharmacies, GPs and NSW Health clinics. NSW Health vaccination clinics offer free COVID-19 vaccines or boosters to everyone eligible across NSW.

Visit a NSW Health vaccination clinic or find a GP or pharmacist near you on the Vaccine Clinic Finder .

Find out more information on how and where to get a COVID-19 vaccination, including booster shots,

Information on accessible clinics is available. Clinic accessibility features may include wheelchair access, low sensory pathways, AUSLAN interpreters, fast track access and other support.

You can also call the COVID-19 Vaccine Helpline on 1800 020 080 for assistance.

A free Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) 131 450 is also available.

Learn about approved COVID-19 vaccines. Find out more about how they work, safety and side effects, and details about each vaccine. Read more here

Find out how to get a COVID-19 vaccination, including booster shots, here.

• COVID-19 vaccination: information for the NSW community NSW Health
• Australia's COVID-19 vaccination rollout to include visa holders Australian Trade and Investment Commission
• Recommendations for developing COVID-19 vaccine communication materials National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)

Important information for the sector