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COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease)

Information about COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease), including testing, vaccinations, travel and restrictions.

  • This topic covers

    • What is COVID-19? 
    • COVID-19 vaccines
    • COVID-19 No Fault Vaccine Claim Scheme
    • Self-isolation
    • Rapid Antigen Tests
    • Face masks
    • Family and parenting
    • Business and services
    • Employment rights
    • Support payments
    • Information for employers and businesses
    • Tenancy 
    • Scams
    • Financial rights
    • Court and tribunal matters
    • Information for prisoners
    • COVID-19 fines
    • Complaints

Time limitAction
Discrimination
12 monthsTo complain to Anti-Discrimination NSW after an incident of discrimination.
Six monthsTo complain to the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) after an incident of discrimination.
60 daysTo apply to the Federal Court of Australia or Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia after the Australian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) issues a complaint termination notice. 
Consumers
Three yearsTo apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) from when the cause of action occurred (event you are complaining about).
Six yearsTo make a civil claim in the Local Court of NSW.

Legislation

AuthorityCovers
Public Health Act 2010 (NSW)

Gives the Minister for Health the power to make public health orders.

There are currently no active Public Health Orders in NSW.

Organisations

OrganisationResponsibilities
Consumer and Commercial Division NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT)Determines consumer disputes, including cancellations and refunds due to COVID-19.
Fair Work CommissionDetermines some employment law disputes, including general protections and termination.
Local Court of NSW

The offence of failing to comply with public health orders can be dealt with by a fine, or in the Local Court of NSW. 

The Local Court of NSW determines any cases where a person has elected to take their quarantine fees to court. 

Local Court of NSW

Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia

Determines applications for parenting orders, including Recovery Orders and orders relating to relocation or travel.

Common ​​termDefinition
​Contraindication​A condition that prevents a person from having certain medical treatment because it may be harmful to them.
  
​Fitted face covering
​A face mask or other covering that fits securely around your face and is designed to be worn over your nose and mouth to provide you with protection against infection. 
​Household
​People living together in the same place of residence.
​Isolation

​Isolation means you should stay separate from all other people, including your household. You should stay home until your acute symptoms have gone. Isolation is recommended when you have COVID-19. 

If you must leave home, you should wear a face mask when indoors or on public transport.

​Public health order 

​An order made by the Minister for Health if the Minister considers on reasonable grounds that there is, or is likely to be, a situation that is a risk to public health. 


Public health orders are enforceable directions from the government, and you can be fined or charged if you do not follow them.

There are currently no active Public Health Orders in NSW.

​Social distancing​Social distancing, also called physical distancing, means that you:
  • keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people when possible
  • avoid physical greetings like hugging and shaking hands
  • are careful to avoid contact on public transport
  • avoid crowds and large public gatherings
  • have good hygiene
  • stay at home and away from others

Frequently Asked Questions

COVID 19 coronavirus disease FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus disease).

Legal Aid NSW services

Contact us

If you have a legal problem in NSW, Legal Aid NSW is here to help you.

Work and Development Order Service

A specialist service that provides free legal advice for people with unpaid fines about internal reviews, payment plans, license suspensions, write-off applications and WDO placements.

Other services and resources

Last updated: December 2024