Businesses are registering for COVID-safe credentials en-masse, with the number of certifications across the Central Coast increasing by 371 percent in the past month.
New figures released on August 24 show that a total 2,191 businesses now have a COVID-safe tick of approval, compared to 590 a month ago.
Northern businesses in postcodes 2258, 2259, 2261, 2262 and 2263, have increased from 265 in July to 923 in August.
Parliamentary Secretary for Central Coast, Adam Crouch, congratulated local business owners for rising to the challenge.
“With the COVID-19 pandemic now reaching its sixth month, it’s a difficult time for everyone in our community, and I thank local business owners who are doing the right thing to protect people on the Coast,” he said.
He said following the COVID-safe requirements was not optional.
“There are still some businesses not doing the right thing and risk being locations where COVID-19 could be more easily spread,” Crouch said.
“NSW Police, Liquor and Gaming inspectors and NSW Health officials are enforcing the requirements, and penalties for wrongdoing include significant fines or forced closures.
“The NSW Government has made the COVID-safe registration process as easy as possible and there’s no excuse for local business owners to ignore this important requirement.”
Public Health Orders allow for penalties of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty for each day that an offence continues. On the spot fines can also be issued.
Source:
Media release, Aug 24
Parliamentary Secretary Central Coast, Adam Crouch