Coffs Harbour is one of the areas in regional NSW where lockdown restrictions are being eased. Photo credit: Paul Lakin via Wikipedia
Parts of regional NSW currently deemed low risk and which have seen zero Covid cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown at 12:01am (NSW time) tomorrow morning (11 September).
However, these areas will continue to operate under restrictions in an effort to ensure the safety of regional communities.
Local Government Areas (LGAs) still experiencing infections will continue to follow stay-at-home orders and will be monitored by NSW Health, with updates provided as circumstances develop.
The state’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, John Barilaro, said regional communities were “doing an incredible job” following health advice and getting vaccinated. This had made the easing of lockdowns in some areas possible.
“Today, I can announce that while many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to Covid case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities,” he stated.
“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.”
The Deputy Premier urged everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as possible. “Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 percent, restrictions can ease significantly,” he said.
Among the lockdown regulations that are being eased in selected areas are gatherings in the home and in public spaces. Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under), while up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Hospitality venues can reopen, subject to one person per 4sqm inside, and one person per 2sqm outside. Standing while drinking is permitted outside.
Retail stores can reopen under the same one person per 4sqm rule, while personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
Schools will re-open, but with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures required to be in place.
Major recreation outdoor facilities – including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos – can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people. Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
For the latest information visit the COVID-19 pages on nsw.gov.au.