The COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic is impacting businesses in many ways including reduced trade, temporary business closures, staffing issues, and supply chain interruptions.
The following information will provide you with tips and resources to help you manage your small business during the crisis and into the recovery phase.
South Australia’s COVID-19 Response follows the easing of restrictions on borders and activities and coordinates the health response to manage COVID-19 cases.
It is important to continue to get tested for COVID-19 as soon as possible if you have any symptoms, physical distance, wash your hands, and stay home if you are sick.
The SA Health website provides information on Cases and Contacts, Vaccination, and Latest Updates.
COVID-19 Directions
Current COVID-19 directions in South Australia can be found at www.legislation.sa.gov.au/legislation/CV19
Domestic Travel
Travel restrictions between states and territories and some remote areas: https://www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/domestic-travel#state-and-territory-travel-restrictions
International Travel
Australia’s border is open. Find out about travel to Australia and overseas at www.health.gov.au/health-alerts/covid-19/international-travel
COVID SAfe Check-In
Hospitals, aged care facilities and residential disability facilities must use the COVID SAfe Check-In or other approved contact tracing system. COVID SAfe Check-In is not required for any other businesses. More information at: www.sahealth.sa.gov.au
COVID-19 Digital Certificate
You can add your COVID-19 digital certificate to the mySA Gov app.
Australian Government Essential Information
australia.gov.au is regularly updated to give you the latest Coronavirus news, updates and advice from government agencies across Australia.
South Australian Government Essential Information
Regularly updated essential information from the South Australian Government can be found at sa.gov.au/covid-19 or visit the SA Govt Dashboard and Daily Update
Services Australia
If you are affected by COVID-19 this factsheet provides information about support available www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/subjects/getting-help-during-coronavirus-covid-19
Support for Business
Guide to Continuing Business
The Australian Government has developed a guide which provides positive steps that businesses can take to help them keep operating and become more sustainable in the future.
Access the Guide at www.business.gov.au/Guide/Continuing-your-business
Small Business Roadmap for Recovery and Beyond
The South Australian Tourism Commission (SATC) engaged Deloitte to develop a resource to assist small business adjust and recover from COVID-19 disruptions. The Small Business Roadmap for Recovery & Beyond: Workbook is intended to support small business owners as they navigate their way through the crisis, highlighting the areas that require attention across the dimensions of customer, cashflow, supply chain, workforce, digital enablement, and workplace.
Coronavirus Information and Support for Business
Find financial assistance, eligibility and timing for government support for Australian businesses. Visit business.gov.au
Helpline for Small Businesses
Looking for answers? The www.business.gov.au Hotline – 13 28 46 – is available for calls between 8am – 8pm, seven days a week. You can talk over the phone, live chat or email.
How your bank can help
Banks have many options to help customers impacted by COVID-19.
For more information visit Australian Banking Association
How can I prepare my business if I get sick?
It’s important to be prepared in case you cannot be there to run your business. Having a Business Continuity Plan (BCP) ahead of time is a good way to ensure that your business can remain operating or viable should a disaster strike. Start your Business Continuity Plan with this BCP template. Guidance to complete a BCP can also be found at Business SA.
Other practical ways to prepare for a shutdown or isolation period:
- Use cloud-based storage for your business records to enable you to access key data and documents from any location with an internet connection.
- Maintain a list of your key contacts and handover notes prepared and easily accessible in the event that someone needs to run your business on your behalf.
- Have a staffing plan to ensure your employees are trained with the skills and knowledge to undertake necessary activities.
- Ensure that you have arrangements for relief or casual/temporary staff you can call on at short notice if your regular staff are unable to work.
My business is experiencing lost trade and cash flow problems
If you’re having concerns about cash flow, and paying fixed costs such as rent, wages, utilities and loan repayments, the earlier you act the easier it can be to negotiate temporary payment terms with your lenders, creditors and suppliers.
Read more about financial hardship
RDAEP strongly recommends that you get in contact with your bank or financial institution as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Dedicated business hardship contact lines for key Australian banks are:
ANZ Bank: 1800 252 845
Commonwealth Bank Hardship: 1300 720 814
National Australia Bank Care: 1800 701 599
Regional Australia Bank Hardship: 13 20 67
Westpac Assist: 1800 067 497
How your bank can help – Australian Banking Association
COVID-19 and Primary Industries
Get industry updates plus relevant information on how to manage affects of the pandemic on your property or regional business. pir.sa.gov.au
Advice for Employers
What are my employer obligations?
As an employer, you have certain obligations to look after your employees under work, health and safety legislation (WHS). You must identify hazards and risks in the workplace and do what is reasonably practicable to eliminate and/or minimise them.
COVID-19 is considered a workplace risk and you must put in place minimisation strategies.
Your employees also have a duty of care and must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and to not adversely affect the health and safety of others. Workers should always practice hygiene and other measures to protect against infections.
For advice on managing COVID-19 risks and work health and safety, visit SafeWork SA.
Safe Work Information for Workplaces
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/covid-19-information-workplaces
I need advice on managing employee leave
Fair Work Ombudsman provides specific information about what to do if an employee is sick or needs to be excluded from work. It also provides guidance on whether employee leave should be considered as sick leave, carer’s leave or annual leave, as well as advising on the process for requesting employees to take leave.
Financial support to employ an apprentice
In light of COVID-19, additional support has been made available for South Australian businesses willing to take on an apprentice or trainee and help skill the state’s future workforce.
Visit skills.sa.gov.au to check what your business may be eligible to receive.
Regular updates, including about support available for keeping your apprentice or trainee engaged in their learning, or making it easier for them to continue when the time is right are available at Business SA Supporting Staff
You can contact the Department for Innovation and Skills at distas@sa.gov.au or through the Infoline on 1800 673 097
Additional information can be found at Department of Education, Skills and Employment
Help from the ATO
The ATO will provide administrative relief for certain tax obligations for taxpayers affected by the coronavirus outbreak, on a case-by-case basis.
Contact the ATO on 1800 806 218 or visit ato.gov.au for more information.
A helpful web page has been put together covering their most frequently asked questions.
Information on consumer rights and business obligations in relation to the coronavirus can be found on the ACCC Website or View the FAQs
SATC have collated resources and links to information to assist the tourism sector. Go to tourism.sa.gov.au
Job Seekers
While many businesses have been adversely affected by COVID-19 and are reducing their workforces, there are some areas of the economy which have an increased demand for workers.
Visit the Australian Government Jobs Hub
Trade and Export Assistance
The Australian Government’s Export Finance Australia provide Australian businesses with export finance solutions and may be able to assist. They provide export loans, guarantees, bonds and buyer finance solutions to help businesses access finance.
Changes to Skilled Migration
Travel restrictions impacted the migration of skilled workers into South Australia. Visa holders and employers are advised to monitor the Department of Home Affairs website or contact the Department with any enquiries.
Who can I speak to about other issues?
RDAEP advocates for small business and can help to connect you with appropriate support and assistance. If you are facing other obstacles, please let us know and we can help direct you to the best available support. Contact our team
Up-To-Date Health Information and Guidance
Information about COVID_19 is changing daily and businesses need to be sure that the information they are receiving is accurate. New precautions should be adopted as you are informed.
For general information about COVID-19, visit the:
Australian Government Department of Health
SA Health – Latest Updates – COVID-19
SafeWork SA
World Health Organisation (WHO)
Smartraveller
Check your symptoms www.healthdirect.gov.au
Eyre and Far North Local Health Network are part of SA Health, responsible for public hospital services and other community based health services in the Eyre and Far North region of SA. EFNLHN on Facebook
Looking After your Mental Health
Please look after yourselves and your employees. The outbreak of COVID-19 has impacted people in varying ways on an international scale. It is understandable that during times like this, you and/or your employees may be feeling afraid, worried, anxious and overwhelmed by the constantly changing alerts and media coverage regarding the spread of the virus.
You can access advice and support from:
Eyre Peninsula Mental Health Services and Support Guide
Eyre Peninsula Mentally Fit Bloke Wellness
www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/topics/mental-health-and-wellbeing-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat (7pm-midnight, 7 nights)
Ahead for Business is a great resource to help you help yourself or your community.
Scams
Watch out for scammers taking advantage of COVID-19: https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/
How is RDAEP Continuing our Work?
RDAEP has taken steps to set up our team to continue working and minimise disruption, while respecting the advice from authorities that wearing a mask and social distancing is important to slow the spread of COVID-19. We will be restricting our travel and understand that many of you will be making similar arrangements.
Contacting Us
If you have a general enquiry or you’re not sure who to contact, email reception@rdaep.org.au