Optometry NSW/ACT has released advice to help optometrists in NSW prepare for business once new COVID-19 rules come into play in the state from Monday 11 October.
Effective from Monday 11 October 2021, in line with 70% double vaccination of the NSW population:
- All staff, patients and retail customers must check into optometry practices using QR codes in metropolitan and regional areas of NSW.
- Practices must check the vaccination status of anyone entering the premises
- Masks must be worn at all times by anyone working in or visiting an ‘indoor setting’. Optometrists and patients are permitted to remove masks where necessary as part of an eye examination.
- There is a limit of one person/four square metres in optometry practices across NSW. Staff are NOT included in the density count.
Optometry NSW/ACT has released advice to help optometrists in NSW prepare for business once new COVID-19 rules come into play in the state from Monday 11 October
Staff in Optometry Practices
Greater Sydney
All staff (both professional and clerical/retail) must be double-vaccinated or hold a medical exemption in greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour, and the Central Coast.
Staff who are not double vaccinated or exempt are not permitted to work. They may take paid or unpaid leave until the full opening of the economy, which is currently anticipated to be 1 December 2021, or until they receive their second vaccine dose.
Regional NSW, Excluding ACT
All staff (professional and clerical/retail) must have had at least one dose of the vaccine and be booked to have their second dose by 1 November. Alternatively, they must hold a medical exemption.
Staff who have not had at least one dose of the vaccine or are exempt, are not permitted to work. They may take paid or unpaid leave until the full opening of the economy, currently anticipated to be 1 December 2021 or until they receive their first vaccine dose.
Staff who do not receive their second vaccine dose by 1 November will, at that stage, not be permitted to work. They may then take paid or unpaid leave until the full opening of the economy, currently anticipated to be 1 December 2021 or until they have their second dose.
Practice Patients
Greater Sydney and Regional NSW, Excluding ACT
Patients and retail customers in Greater Sydney and regional NSW, who are double-vaccinated, may attend the practice as normal for both professional services and retail.
Retail browsing is permitted.
Patients who are NOT double-vaccinated may be seen for essential eye care and for related essential retail, which will include limited browsing (eg to select new spectacles). However general retail browsing is NOT permitted for unvaccinated patients.
Retail-only customers who are NOT double-vaccinated may only be seen for essential purchases (eg. sunglasses, solutions etc).
General retail browsing is NOT permitted for unvaccinated customers.
ONSW/ACT members can find further information on the Optometry NSW/ACT website.
