COVID-19 (coronavirus) information and resources

Experiencing symptoms? Get a test today.

We are encouraging residents experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 to get a test. Symptoms include:

• fever
• cough
• sore throat
• shortness of breath.

The NSW Health department has established COVID clinics across the state. If you need advice or have questions, call the National Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.

There is also a drive through testing clinic operating at Rockdale Womens sports fields, 310 West Botany St, Rockdale (netball courts on West Botany street).

This facility is operated by 4 Cyte Pathlogy. Patients must have a referral to attend this service.

Change to restrictions - 15 May 2020

After assessing the National Cabinet’s new framework, the NSW government has advised easing of restrictions as follows:

• outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
• cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time and continue to provide takeaway services
• up to 5 visitors may visit another household at any one time
• weddings can have up to 10 guests plus the celebrant and couple
• indoor funerals can have up to 20 mourners and outdoor funerals up to 30
• religious gatherings and places of worship can have up to 10 worshippers
• outdoor playground and exercise equipment can be used with caution
• outdoor pools will be open with restrictions.

What does this mean for Bayside Council?

We will re-open our playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms. Libraries and community centres remain closed.

We ask that you continue to do the right thing by maintaining physical distancing of 1.5m apart. Fines apply for breaches. Breaches should be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

The timetable for easing further restrictions will be decided by the NSW Government. We will wait for their advice before announcing any changes to our services.

You can find a full list of the impacted facilities and services below.

Testing centres

COVID-19 drive-through testing is now available at Rockdale Womens sports fields, 310 West Botany St, Rockdale (netball courts on West Botany street). This facility is operated by 4 Cycte Pathlogy.

Patients must have a referral and appointment to attend this service.

Not all testing sites require a referral. For a full list of testing centres please visit NSW health.

Beaches - open with restrictions, for gatherings of up to 10 people

Beaches are now open, however we rely on our community continuing to do the right thing. This means:

• stay 1.5 metres from other people
• keep gatherings to 10 people or less.

This applies to the 8.4kms of beachfront from Kyeemagh Boat Ramp to the bottom of Riverside Drive in Sans Souci.

Council rangers and NSW Police will be monitoring the beach to make sure everyone does the right thing.

You must follow the Public Health Orders. These are in place to protect you and others. To report breaches of these orders, contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Rate relief package

On Wednesday 8 April, Council met and considered options for providing some rate relief to property owners in Bayside. 

If you are receiving an Australian Government payment (JobKeeper or JobSeeker), you can apply to:

• defer your rates payment until 30 June 2020, or
• enter into a payment arrangement to pay off your May instalment by 30 June 2021.

Find out more, including how to apply.

Local business support

On Wednesday 1 April, Council met and agreed on a number of measures to help local businesses suffering due to the impact of COVID-19:

• defer your May instalment until 30 June, or
• enter into a payment arrangement to pay the May installment over a longer period without interest.
• we will reduce or waive fees associated with leasing arrangements for Council premises where activities are prohibited due to COVID-19
• we are supporting local restaurants and cafes with a flexible approach to compliance issues such as delivery and opening times
• we will pay suppliers quicker than usual to help inject more money into the economy.

Our resources:

• Connecting Communities is our community directory. It provides links to important information and services from reliable, trusted sources.

Connecting Communities

• Apply for a deferral or payment arrangement for your rates
• Frequently asked questions: we answer your questions about our services during COVID-19
• Connecting communities through COVID-19: a directory of important information and services
• Police assistance during COVID-19: advice on staying safe, with information on reporting crime, fraud, domestic violence and anti-social behaviour.

External links:

• Australia.gov.au: essential information, health and provential advice 
• NSW information and updates: information on services, health and support.
• Posters and factsheets in your language: information from NSW Health
• News and information in your language: news and information from SBS
• Accessible information and factsheets: Council for Intellectual Disability
• Emergency relief packages for self-isolation from Service NSW

 Operating normally

 Service operating, with some changes

 Not operating

Service	Status	Comments
Rockdale Customer Service Centre		Reduced hours: 8:30 - 4:30pm Monday to Friday
Eastgardens Customer Service Centre		Closed until further notice
Customer Call Centre		call 1300 581 299 from Monday to Friday between 8:30am to 4:30pm. if you call outside of this time you will be put through to our after-hours service.
Waste Collections		Operating as normal. Find your collection date
Council Clean Up		Operating as normal. Find your collection date
Libraries		Closed until further notice. A click and collect service will be in operation.
Library online services		Access educational and library resources including e-books, audio and film
Development, engineering and related applications		You can lodge an application at the Rockdale Customer Service Centre between 8:30am and 4:30pm Monday to Friday Applications are assessed as normal.
Development Advisory Service		8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday at the Rockdale Customer Service Centre
Bayside Garden Centre		Operating as normal - 41 Beach Street, Kogarah - (02) 9553 7346
Council meetings		Meetings are held by audio-visual link. You can watch our meetings live on our Facebook page. Find out more about our meetings, including minutes, agendas and requests to speak.
Local Planning Panel meetings		Meetings are held by audio-visual link. You can watch our meetings live on our Facebook page. Find out more about our meetings, including minutes, agendas and requests to speak.

 Open

 Some restrictions apply

 Closed

 Going ahead

 Postponed

 Cancelled