How to interpret your RAT results, thanks to XKCD (https://xkcd.com/2558/)

(Update, Feb 2022: with restrictions easing and clubhouse meetings back, the 2m net has been discontinued, as originally planned below. Those unable to come to the clubhouse can still join in via Zoom.)

With the COVID Omicron variant making its presence felt (11,201 daily cases as of 2021-12-29), the club weekly 2m net is back in operation to keep members and visitors connected, with zero health risks. If you are unable to get vaccinated, or have other health factors, you can still socialise with the club.

The net takes place every Wednesday evening from 8pm, on the club 2m repeater, VK2RMB on 146.875MHz, with a -600kHz offset. Call in and stay in touch.

The net will continue through to the end of January, at which point it will be reassessed depending on COVID conditions in NSW.

With the high levels of vaccination in NSW, the health risks for visitors might not be as serious as previously, so the clubhouse is still open for those who have been fully vaccinated. Usual protocols apply: QR code, masks, social distancing and hand-washing/sanitising.

Update 24 December from NSW Health:

When face masks are required 

From the beginning of 24 December 2021, all people in NSW over the age of 12 are required to wear a face mask:  

  • in an indoor area of premises other than a place of residence
  • in an indoor area on common property for residential premises
  • at a public transport waiting area
  • in a vehicle or vessel being used to provide a public transport service 
  • working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with members of the public
  • on a domestic commercial aircraft, including when the aircraft is flying above NSW.

A person can remove their face mask if they are:  

  • eating or drinking
  • communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing
  • at work, and
    • the nature of the work makes the wearing of a fitted face covering a risk to the person’s, or another persons’ health and safety
    • where clear enunciation or visibility of a person’s mouth is essential
    • where the work is in an indoor area and no other person is in the area
  • asked to remove their mask for identity purposes
  • in an emergency situation
  • providing goods and services and the person needs to remove their mask to provide those goods or services properly
  • doing exercise outside, in a gym or in a gym class
  • in a dance class
  • at a correctional centre, place of custody, or public hospital or private health facility (as a patient)
  • a resident at an aged care facility
  • a guest in a hotel/motel and in their room
  • in the process of getting married
  • in a vehicle alone or with another person from their household. 

You need to wear your face mask again as soon as the reason for taking it off has ended.