Gyms and fitness centres in NSW will be required to have a dedicated Covid-19 Safe Hygiene Marshal on duty at all times as of Saturday, August 1. They must also register and have a Covid-19 safety plan.

The new rules were announced today – on the same day that two Coronavirus positive cases have been discovered south of Brisbane.

NSW Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello said the extra measures for gyms and fitness centres are necessary to stop the spread of Covid-19 in NSW.

“Gyms and fitness centres must take all reasonable steps to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Businesses who fail to be compliant will risk facing a fine or venue closure,” he said.

“Whether it’s maintaining social distancing, cleaning equipment after use or making hand sanitiser available for customers, these dedicated Covid Safe Hygiene Marshals will play a pivotal role in keeping gyms safe and compliant.

Submit or update your business COVID-19 Safety Plan here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses

Two new virus cases in Queensland

The two 19 year old women who tested positive for the virus are the first Covid cases in Queensland outside quarantine since May. 

The two women, from Acacia Ridge and Logan, returned by plane to Queensland from Melbourne via Sydney on 21 July and tested positive for the virus eight days after returning. 

Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said contact tracing of the two women was underway and pre-emptive measures were being taken in case the virus had spread through the community.

“The women did not self-isolate, despite the rule that everyone entering Queensland who has been in Victoria in the past 14 days should do so,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

“We need to be making sure that any of those people who may have come into contact with the two confirmed cases need to go into quarantine and also need to be tested.

Aged care facilities in Brisbane’s metro south area will be closed to visitors and will have enhanced screening for staff, who will not be able to work across multiple facilities.

The Premier has already declared that the greater Sydney area will be considered a coronavirus hotspot from Saturday morning, and no one from that area will be allowed to enter Queensland. 

“It is incredibly important, now more than ever that anyone feeling sick should get a test," she said.

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