COVID-19 restrictions on gatherings to be eased slightly from this Friday

Many NSW residents rejoiced this morning after Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced that from this Friday, May 1, two adults and any dependent children will be able to visit another household.

“We’ve currently not allowed people to go and visit each other in their homes, from May 1 on Friday, two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing social isolation and everybody’s mental health,” said Ms Berejiklian.

“I do want to stress that if you’re visiting someone who is over 70 years of age or someone with a comorbidity you have to practise really good social distancing.

“If you have the mildest sniffle – do not go and visit anybody.

“I want to thank the community for really supporting our initiatives,” said Ms Berejiklian.

The number of new COVID-19 cases in NSW has been steadily decreasing, as at 8pm Monday 27 April, an additional five cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed since 8pm 26 April bringing the total number of cases to 3009.

NSW Health said during that time 4112 people were tested, compared to 4418 in the 24 hours before and all of today’s new cases acquired COVID-19 from known sources.

There have now been 2,243 people who have recovered from COVID-19 in NSW.

Watch NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s press conference below.

The NSW Premier’s office released the below statement, this afternoon.

UPDATE ON COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

The NSW Government has announced an update on COVID-19 restrictions and how our schools and retail outlets will look for the month of May.

There will be three key changes that will take effect across NSW next month:

1. From Friday, 1 May up to two adults and their dependent children will be allowed to visit another household.
2. We will see a return of face-to-face teaching from 11 May, and then will consider accelerating a full return to school as soon as possible.
3. There have never been restrictions in NSW on what people can and cannot buy, however there may be increased retail activity, with some businesses choosing to re-open. It is important these shops maintain social distancing and hygiene requirements.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this update on visits to households has been made to reduce social isolation and improve mental health.

“It extends the existing guidelines of being able to leave home for ‘care or medical purposes’,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“The two adults need not be related.

“The last thing any of us want to see is a huge spike in cases.

“We need anyone with even the mildest of symptoms anywhere in NSW to stay home and come forward for testing.”

There is no limit on how far you can travel within NSW so long as you respect the rules and the reason is consistent with one of the four categories for leaving home.

It is important when visiting another household social distancing is maintained and extra hygiene precautions are taken. When visiting, meeting in an outdoor environment such as home garden, backyard or verandah will help reduce the risk.

If you are visiting those aged over 70 or those with underlying health conditions we are urging you to be extra vigilant with social distancing and hygiene measures.

It is also important to remember that you do not visit anyone if you or they are unwell, even if you have mild symptoms like fatigue or a scratchy throat.

The two-person gathering limit still applies to public places.

For the latest information on COVID-19 please go to nsw.gov.au/covid-19.