Print and sign companies across Greater Sydney can stay open under new Covid-19 lockdown regulations by following safety precautions but some are already reporting staff shortages. Many companies have moved to a ‘click and collect’ business model.
NSW announced on Saturday that the Greater Sydney region, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour and Wollongong, would enter a lockdown until the 9th of July. With another 18 new COVID-19 cases reported in Sydney on Monday, the outbreak has now reached a total of 130 infections. Outbreaks have also been reported in Victoria, Queensland and WA.
Supplier Kayell Australia says its Sydney store at Artarmon is now operating as a “Click and Collect Only,” but its Melbourne store in Collingwood is not affected.
“In line with the latest government restrictions, all NSW customers using our click and collect service are required to sign in via QR, wear a fitted face mask while instore and a 1 customer per 4 square meter rule is now in place,” Kayell told customers. “Please note, we are requesting during this stay at home order that customers do not visit our Sydney showroom to browse goods but only to pick up goods that are paid for and that you have been advised are ready to collect.
“Our Sydney showroom will be very short staffed, due to many staff working from home until Monday the 12th of July 2021, when we hope Sydney will be released from the current restrictions. Due to this please use our click and collect online service or have your goods delivered, as our warehouses will be fully functional.”
Signage franchise Signwave Newtown says it’s open for business but asked customers not to visit its Inner West store in person. “The safety and wellbeing of our customers and staff is important to us, so we please ask that all enquires are via email or phone call only.”
Mimaki Australia says its NSW operations will continue to operate under strict COVID-19 regulations. “Mimaki’s employees and customers health & safety is important. We have the right to reject service visit and in-contact pick up by whom not implementing COVID safe plan. Mimaki staff may ask clients to postpone service visits due to non-essential service providers, or sign a paperwork that transition responsibility to proof that the client’s business is an essential service provider so to avoid being penalty against lock down regulations.
“We are focused on our efforts to maintain a safe work environment for our employees and to sustain our business operations. We have activated a plan which includes: Implementing a strategy to coordinate delivery of supplies, services and support to our customers; Providing our employees with information and best practices to prevent the spread of any illness; Plans are in place for our associates to work remotely from home with direct access to our company phone and computer systems for continued operations in the event they can't come into the office; Limiting all non-essential business travel.
“Currently our stock suppliers have not been effected,” says Mimaki Australia. “Orders are being processed without delay, we currently have some staff working remotely. Currently still servicing all Mimaki equipment. All Mimaki staff are taking extra precautions and managing the risks from COVID-19. We would ask our customers to do the same.
“Service turnaround times may be effected during this time," Mimaki says. "We will continue to monitor this situation and will provide any necessary updates and we will continue to use every effort to deliver uninterrupted essential services and supplies to all our valued customers. This is a fluid situation that might change, management will continue to follow closely advice and guidelines from Government departments."
Spandex Asia Pacific's Sydney office at Strathfield South will not accept any walk-in customer orders “as a safety precaution,” the company told customers. “All pick up orders will need to be placed in advance via email or phone and payment made if needed prior to visiting the Sydney distribution centre. When you come to collect your order please proceed directly to the customer pick up station at the back dock and follow all staff instructions. We thank you for your support and understanding with this and hope you stay safe during this lockdown.”
Supplier Graphic Art Mart says its three NSW sites at North Rocks, Peakhurst and Newcastle will remain open “albeit under altered conditions” throughout the lockdown period.
“During these challenging times, the three Graphic Art Mart operations in New South Wales will continue to operate under strict COVID-19 regulations set out by the NSW Government and NSW Health,” said GM Mousa Elsarky. “We will continue to take all necessary precautions to keep everyone safe. Our three sites are staffed appropriately in order to provide our customers with anything they require. You can safely place an order online, by phone or email. Visit our website for more information: https://bit.ly/36au193
“Should you wish to collect your goods from one of our locations, please email, phone ahead or order online at gamart.com.au and your order will be ready for you when you arrive to enable a contactless service level at these branches during the lockdown period. Should you need to enter one of our branches during this lockdown period, please assist our staff by complying with our COVID safe plan that requires you to:
check in in using the Service NSW QR code posted at the entrance
use the hand sanitiser provided for your safety and convenience
ensure you always wear a face mask whilst inside
will also continue to fulfil your orders via our standard courier methods should you prefer.”
One million people in lockdown in Sydney could be eligible for up to $500 a week in federal support from Thursday, after the federal government declared Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong as hotspots for the purposes of Commonwealth support.
“This payment is for people who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and can’t attend work as a result of state imposed health restrictions lasting greater than one week,” a government statement said.
“Eligible people will receive $500 if they’ve lost 20 hours or more of work, and $325 if they’ve lost less than 20 hours of work. They must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000 or be in receipt of other payments.
For more information and to check eligibility for payments, visit: servicesaustralia.gov.au/COVID19
State-specific information on COVID (supplied by ASGA):
- • VIC - https://www.coronavirus.vic.gov.au/
- • ACT - https://www.covid19.act.gov.au
- • New South Wales - https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
- • Queensland - https://www.covid19.qld.gov.au/
- • South Australia - https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/
- • Tasmania - https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/
- • Western Australia - https://www.wa.gov.au/government/covid-19-coronavirus
