Sunday 3 January 2021

NSW Government update of COVID-19 public health restrictions effective from midnight Saturday, 2 January 2021


NSW Government update of COVID-19 public health restrictions, 2 January 2021:


Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.


From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.


Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;


  • No visitors to the home.

  • Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone.

  • Non-essential businesses remain closed.


Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.


The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight:


  • Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings:

    • shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres)
    • public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres)
    • places of worship
    • hair and beauty premises.
    • Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services.
    • Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
  • Gym classes reduced to 30 people.

  • Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.

  • Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.

  • Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.

  • Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.

  • Night clubs not permitted.


People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community.


Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.


Northern NSW Local Health District advice for those living in the NSW Northern Rivers region:


To help stop the spread of COVID-19:


  • If you are unwell, get tested and isolate right away – don’t delay. Remain isolated until you receive your test result.

  • Wash your hands regularly. Take hand sanitiser with you when you go out.

  • Keep your distance. Leave 1.5 metres between yourself and others.

  • Wear a mask when using public transport, rideshares and taxis, and in shops, places of worship and other places where you can’t physically distance. When taking taxis or rideshares, commuters should sit in the back.


To find your nearest testing clinic visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/how-to-protect-yourself-and-others/clinics or contact your GP.


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