Dear resident of the Ku-ring-gai electorate

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, I want to thank each and every person for your cooperation during these unprecedented times.

This health crisis is not over yet and everybody still needs to be very careful going about their increased activities. We are carefully bringing our community activities back, including:

• On Monday of this week, NSW Public School students resumed full-time face-to-face teaching.

From Monday 1 June:

• NSW residents can travel within our State for recreation and holiday purposes;
• Museums, galleries, libraries, zoos and aquariums will be allowed to re-open;
• Cafes, clubs, bars and restaurants will be allowed to seat up to 50 patrons; and
• Beauty and nail salons can begin treatments.

The catering, food, beverage and tourism sectors make a substantial contribution to the NSW economy and the decision to loosen COVID-19 restrictions will keep people in jobs and businesses viable. We know many small businesses have been hit hard and there is financial help available. I urge any business which is eligible for the ‘Small Business COVID-19 $10,000 Support Grant’ to apply immediately as applications close very soon on 1 June, 2020.

To learn more and apply visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-small-business-covid-19-support-grant

It’s more important than ever to adhere to the expert medical advice to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please continue to do the following:

• Practice social distancing of 1.5m separation in all aspects of life;
• Regularly wash your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitiser;
• Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue or a flexed elbow;
• Avoid close contact with people especially those known to be unwell; and
• Make sure you stay home if you are unwell.

A major reason for our success so far is that NSW has the highest COVID-19 testing rates in the world and double testing capacity has been created over the last few weeks. Testing is critical in reducing community transmission and is essential for our State’s management of this outbreak.

Please get tested immediately if you or someone you know has the mildest symptoms of the virus including a fever, cough, tiredness, sore throat and shortness of breath, particularly if you are a returned traveller, or have been in contact with a confirmed case, by calling your local GP, Healthdirect Hotline on 1800 022 222, or visit the nearest COVID-19 testing clinic.

I recommend you visit www.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus regularly for up-to-date information and the latest advice and to find a COVID-19 Clinic for testing visit https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/coronavirus-clinics

Stay safe.

With thanks

Alister

Alister Henskens SC MP - Member for Ku-ring-gai