As the Sydney case numbers grow, new restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney from 4pm today to protect Australians from the COVID-19 outbreak.

At this stage, the new rules will be in place for one week.

This follows health advice from the chief health officer, Dr Kerry Chant, regarding the growing risk to the community.

The following restrictions will be introduced for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour;

  • Visitors to households will be limited to five guests (including children),
  • Masks will be compulsory at all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events,
  • Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed,
  • Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed,
  • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs – however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people),
  • Dance and gym classes will be limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn),
  • The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals,
  • Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50 per cent seated capacity,
  • Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced,
  • If you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra local government areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential travel.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is asking the community to “do what they do best” and follow the health advice.

“We don’t take these steps lightly and we never want to impose restrictions unless we absolutely have to,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“We know the effect this will have on residents and venues but we must take this action now to ensure we keep on top of this outbreak.”

Dr Chant urged the community to play their part in controlling the COVID-19 spread.

“We need really high testing rates to make sure we’re stopping any chains of transmission,” she said.

“So we’re continuing to urge people to come forward for testing, especially if you were in Westfield Bondi Junction (including the car park) at any time between Saturday, June 12, and Friday, June 18.”

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said people need to use QR codes and wear masks when required, now more than ever.

“We will be increasing supervision and compliance checks to make sure everyone is doing the right thing,” Mr Hazzard said.

“This pandemic is far from over and we all have to do our bit to protect the community.”

The government and health experts will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updated information and advice.

The Courier will continue reporting on Coronavirus updates as they happen.

For more information visit the NSW Government’s website.

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