As Blayney, Cabonne and Orange Local Government Areas (LGAs) have now been declared hotspots, the Federal Government’s ‘Single Site’ program has now been activated and will be in place till at least 4 August.

The Single Site Program is a voluntary scheme to support workers and employers in these areas to work at one workplace and not be financially worse off. A factsheet about how this works can be viewed at this link.

The fundamental principle of the program is that workers are not worse off. This also extends to workers who have been directed by their employer or NSW Health to isolate through access to paid leave.

Below is some useful information:

• National Coronavirus Hotline: 1800 020 080 
  
  This number can be used if you have questions about isolation and if you’re a close or casual contact.
  
  
• Single Site Employment: https://supporthub.agedservicesworkforce.com.au/ 
  
  If you work at multiple sites in hotspot LGAs, you can nominate to only work at one site as your primary employer. Your primary employer will accommodate the additional hours that you usually work at other residential aged care sites. Therefore, you will not be financially disadvantaged. If they cannot, or do not, you will be paid your usual hours regardless through the primary employer as the Government has committed funding for this purpose.
  
  
• Paid Pandemic Leave: https://supporthub.agedservicesworkforce.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/SACWIC-FAQs-All-Locations-05012021.pdf
  
  For all aged care workers in a designated hotspot Local Government Areas (LGAs), employers can access federal funds to cover paid pandemic leave. This will only be applicable to workers who are directly employed and who don’t have any sick leave left (includes both permanent and casuals).

If you have any questions about the Single Site program, paid pandemic leave or any other matter, please contact our HSU Member Services Division on 1300 478 679 or [E-Mail not displayed]. You can also contact your local HSU Organiser Emmett Gray [E-Mail not displayed].

Finally, I’d like to thank everyone for their continued bravery and hard work. The commitment you show to keeping both yourself and the community safe is commendable. Thank you also to everyone who provided constant information and updates on the developing situation. It’s crucial to stay well-informed during these times.

To everybody isolating, thank you for your dedication to your own safety, that of your family, and your residents.