Rules on face masks and public gatherings are set to be extended for regional New South Wales as the lockdown in Sydney is extended by "at least" two weeks.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The state government announced on Wednesday that the current lockdown across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour will continue for at least another two weeks until midnight on Friday, July 30, due to the ongoing spread of COVID-19.
Face masks must continue to be worn by those over 12 years old in all indoor, non-residential areas, including public transport.
Per the Public Health Order, the following restrictions also remain in place across the state:
- One person per four square metres for indoor and outdoor settings
- No more than 5 guests, including children, visiting households
- No drinking while standing at indoor venues
- No singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship
- No dancing at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs. At weddings, only the wedding party of no more than 20 people can dance
- Dance and gym classes limited to 20 people per class, and masks must be worn
- Events held in entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities are limited to the 1 person per 4 square metre rule, or 50 per cent seated capacity
NSW recorded 97 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours leading up to Wednesday morning. 24 of these were infectious in the community.
IN OTHER NEWS:
The state's chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said that some people, particularly those in Sydney, should consider getting their second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine as soon as four weeks after their first shot.
"I have said openly that if you have had your AstraZeneca shots over four weeks ago, contact your GP and talk about bringing the second dose forward from the 12 week mark to around six to eight weeks," she said.
"If you are due for your second dose and you had your first dose over four weeks ago, call your doctor and see if they want to bring you in earlier.
Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
