Record COVID Safe check-ins and Blacktown business blitz preventing the spread

It’s been revealed the Service NSW app has been downloaded more than four million times and used for more than 117 million COVID Safe check-ins.

With download numbers equal to approximately 75 per cent of NSW’s adult population, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the technology has been a game-changer in keeping the community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The app has not only provided an easy solution for businesses and customers for checking in, it importantly assist NSW Health and the contact tracing team in the event of an outbreak,” Ms Berejiklian said.

While people are successfully using the app to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Blacktown City Council have provided COVID-19 education and guidance to Blacktown businesses as part of a COVID safety “blitz”.

Specially trained environmental health officers recently visited more than 80 businesses including restaurants, cafés, beauty and massage parlours, and hairdressing salons over two days.

The “blitz team” worked with business owners to help them understand COVID-19 safety requirements.

WSLHD Public Health Unit director Dr Shopna Bag thanked businesses who are doing the right thing with their safety plans and following NSW Government advice.

“There are five areas the ‘Blitz team’ looked at including having a current COVID-19 Safety Plan – physical distancing measures, staff and customer wellbeing, record keeping, and hand hygiene,” said Dr Bag.

“Some businesses are required to have completed a COVID Safety Plan under law, through Public Health Orders. Having an up-to-date COVID Safety Plan is the best way businesses can be sure they are applying the necessary COVID safety measures to protect their staff and patrons.”

The two-day business blitz in Blacktown complemented previous education sessions and COVID Safe inspections conducted in the Cumberland Local Government Area (LGA) in late December 2020.

COVID Safe inspections will continue in Western Sydney over the coming weeks. Local businesses in can access a range of free COVID-19 resources from the Western Sydney COVID-19 Community Resources website here.

WSLHD’s Environmental Health team can also assist businesses in Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, and the Hills Shire LGAs with COVID-19 safety enquiries on 9840 3603.