AS the Coffs Coast relaxes this week with the news of no known COVID-19 cases transmitted by a Sydney construction worker’s visit for work to the region many have been asking the following questions.

How was it that a construction worker from Sydney was able to work in regional NSW despite Sydney being in lockdown?

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What are the Public Health Order COVID rules for metropolitan workers in regional NSW?

And were any Public Health Orders breached?

Firstly let’s rewind to important dates in the last few weeks.

On Saturday June 26 the NSW State Government announced a lockdown for Greater Sydney.

Several weeks later on July 17 the NSW State Government announced all building and construction work in the Greater Sydney Area was to cease from Monday 19 July 2021 until midnight on Friday 30 July 2021.

That included all non-urgent maintenance, cleaning services and repair work on residential premises.

So there is currently a surplus of skilled construction workers in the Greater Sydney area simply unable to work and open to contracts outside the metropolitan area.

But what are the rules then for COVID safety for these workers travelling to and working in regional NSW?

According to the NSW government’s COVID 19 Rules for Greater Sydney Workers, “If you live in or are staying in Greater Sydney including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour, you must have a COVID-19 test in the 7 days before working if your workplace is 50km or more outside Greater Sydney.

“Workers must also abide by the Stay Home Orders.”

News Of The Area contacted NSW Police for information regarding the possibility of the construction worker breaching the Public Health Orders by attending the Hoey Moey but NSW Police Force responded that “Following extensive inquiries, no breaches of the Public Health Orders were identified in this matter.”

By Sandra MOON