Transport NSW – COVID-19 Testing Requirements

Coronavirus Blood Test

Read time: 2 mins

The below information has been issued by Transport NSW.

Following National Cabinet’s agreement to the Protocol for Domestic Border Controls – Freight Movements last week, the NSW Government has introduced new requirements for freight operators crossing the border from Victoria into NSW.

Under the updated COVID-19 Safety Plan checklist for freight, workers who have been in Victoria within the past 14 days should be tested for COVID-19 every seven days, even if they are not showing symptoms.

That means that any worker crossing the border from Victoria to NSW should have had a COVID-19 test within the past 7 days.

Enforcement of the updated COVID-19 Safety Plan has not yet commenced, but Transport NSW recommends industry update their own COVID-19 safety plans to reflect this change and organise for freight critical services workers to get tested. Transport NSW urges operators to work towards meeting the new requirements as soon as possible.

Please note that obtaining the COVID-19 test is the responsibility of the operator. You can find a list of NSW testing sites here.

Police continue to conduct spot checks at the border and workers will need to produce a valid permit, COVID-19 Safety Plan and confirmation that they have complied with the COVID-19 Safety Plan if requested. Those who cannot meet the requirements of their permit may be denied entry to NSW.

Transport NSW acknowledges these additional requirements may be difficult for some operators and stress the importance that we all do our bit to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Transport NSW remains committed to working with industry to keep freight moving, which is why those moving freight on a commercial basis are not required to self-isolate once crossing the NSW/Victorian border, however operators must also ensure all their obligations under their COVID-19 Safety Plan are met.

In addition to COVID-19 testing, these obligations include physical distancing, following all hygiene requirements including carrying hand sanitiser, undertaking extra cleaning practices and keeping a record of all stops and close contacts over the past 28 days.

Any person who is unwell or experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms should not attend work; they should instead get tested immediately and must self-isolate while waiting for results.

If you need further assistance please reach out to our experienced advisors on
(02) 6295 3000 or email [email protected].