The NSW government has released industry-specific information for the transport and freight businesses to help them navigate the risk of COVID-19.
According to Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, the materials have been designed for non-customer facing businesses and to provide practical guidance to limit the spread of the virus.
“80,000 businesses have already downloaded the NSW Government’s COVID Safety Plans, and we’ve now created additional resources for transport, freight and ride shares, offices, construction sites, and manufacturing premises,” Anderson said.
The NSW government has kept borders open to rail freight throughout the crisis, with no restriction on interstate movement into NSW for rail.
In addition, freight trains were given extra access to the Sydney metropolitan rail network in what were ordinarily restricted periods for passenger rail only.
NSW Ports CEO, Marika Calfas, said such measures should remain in place for the foreseeable future.
“These measures should be continued in the longer term to deliver community-wide productivity benefits, allowing trucks to supply businesses during evening periods, to alleviate pressures on the road networks during peak hours, and freight trains and passenger trains to share the network safely,” Calfas said.
“This will be especially important during the recovery phase when road congestion is likely to be exacerbated due to reduced public transport usage.”
Anderson said that the NSW government was working to ensure that businesses can operate as smoothly as possible.
“Ultimately we want to focus on getting NSW’s economy back up and running and providing businesses with the right guidance to operate safely and successfully in the current climate.”
The online database of information includes checklists for a COVID-19 safety plan for businesses, covering wellbeing of staff and customers, physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning, and record keeping. Businesses are also encouraged to register as being COVID Safe. Links to financial assistance are also available.