The Minister’s Policy Director has confirmed with the NGINA that all nurseries – retail, wholesale and production are considered “essential services” and should conduct “business as usual”, however, Members need to follow all formal advice and recommendations surrounding COVID-19 concerning social distancing and hygiene.

If your retail nursery has a Café, this needs to comply with the conditions as per the non-essential activities and businesses listed below and should be closed temporarily.

• Pubs, registered clubs
• Gyms, indoor sporting venues
• Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs
• Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery
• Religious gatherings, places of worship (excluding small weddings and funerals that comply with the 4m2 rule, which can proceed).

The NGINA recommends that all Members follow the Australian Government Department of Health page to ensure that you are meeting the stringent rules around gatherings and how to reduce the risk of transferring the virus at your nursery: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-public-gatherings-and-visits-to-vulnerable-groups
Please note that the NGINA are doing everything we can to keep you informed with the most current advice as it becomes available. All information contained in this email is current at the time of publishing.

Also worth noting the following:
• Over the next few days, NSW and ACT could have different restrictions and policies in place concerning COVID-19. We are continuing to monitor and seek information from both NSW and ACT, so information is relevant to your area.
• We understand that state borders are closing and we are looking at what this means for intrastate plant movements.
• Fairwork Australia, NSW Business Chamber, Department of Health and many more Government channels and departments are providing up to date information which we are also continually monitoring.

Regards,
NGINA Team