The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says urgent building repair works can continue during the current Sydney lockdown, following confirmation from the NSW Government that such activities are permitted under its new Public Health Order.

However all non-urgent home repairs will cease until July 31 in support of the health order, ICA says today in a statement.

The ICA statement also says repair of motor vehicles during the current pandemic restrictions is necessary to support essential workers and emergency and health services, as well as essential travel for all residents.

It says insurers have therefore been advised motor repairs are permitted and that those living within the Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown and Liverpool local government areas (LGAs) undertaking this work are authorised workers who will be able to leave their homes to conduct this essential function.

Residents in the three LGAs, which are subject to additional restrictions, are also permitted to leave their premises for urgent repairs to their vehicle.

The greater Sydney area is under tight lockdown restrictions that were announced yesterday by NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

The stricter curbs are in place until July 30, with the construction industry assured by Ms Berejiklian that it can reopen the following day.

“Accidents and damage will still occur during these lockdowns, so customers should not hesitate to contact their insurer if they are looking for assistance or to make a claim,” ICA CEO Andrew Hall said.

“While we play an essential function, we are extremely mindful of the intent of the Government’s Health Order and where possible will limit movement of staff and contractors both into and out of impacted LGAs and across greater Sydney.

“Prior to these current restrictions a shortage of trades and goods and state border closures, on top of a number of natural disasters such as the recent NSW floods, have been impacting insurance repairs and remediation times for customers.

“This two week period will only exacerbate those issues, so insurers ask for patience and understanding from the community as they work to repair property and vehicles.

“Insurers are working hard with suppliers to ensure we can continue important work on people’s claims, while also seeking to comply with these restrictions.”

The ICA statement says urgent building repairs include emergency make-safes, necessary repairs to ensure a home is habitable, critical repairs that are required to mitigate the risk of further damage and urgent repairs to damaged business premises if required to ensure the safety or security of the building.

ICA says in facilitating urgent building repairs, insurers may also require assessors and engineers to attend sites, including to determine whether urgent repairs are required.

“Insurance staff and contractors will use virtual inspections where possible and if required on-site will wear [personal protective equipment] and limit contact with residents,” ICA said.

“In some circumstances, workers from outside the Fairfield, Canterbury Bankstown and Liverpool LGAs may be required to enter those areas to conduct urgent repairs, however insurers will try to minimise these occurrences by utilising workers living within those LGAs wherever possible.”