New COVID-19 restrictions announced for regional NSW

NSW Health has announced new restrictions for regional New South Wales due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak affecting Greater Sydney.

Everyone in Greater Sydney (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong) must stay at home unless it is for an essential reason and those who have been in Greater Sydney for any reason since Monday 21 June 2021 must follow stay at home rules for 14 days since their last visit.

In all other parts of NSW including the Murrumbidgee, the following restrictions will apply:

• People who have been in the Greater Sydney region (including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Wollongong) on or after June 21 should follow the stay-at-home orders for 14 days after they left Greater Sydney.

• Visitors to households will be limited to five guests – including children;

• Masks will be compulsory in 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 and choirs at indoor venues 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 wedding party only (no more than 20 people);

• Dance and gym classes 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, ticketed events will be limited to 50 per cent seated capacity;

MPHN’s COVID-19 Pandemic Lead, Dr Alison Koschel said Murrumbidgee region general practices and vaccination hubs are working hard to meet the growing demand for testing whilst continuing to play a crucial role in National vaccination rollout.

“It is more important than ever people who are experiencing symptoms get tested as soon as possible. We know that the Delta variant is more infectious and has the potential to move through the community at a faster rate,” said Dr Koschel.

“Respiratory clinics and general practices across the Murrumbidgee region are currently working on increasing both testing capacity and available times to ensure their communities remain safe during this challenging time. Eligible people should also consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible.”

To find a testing location and to make a booking visit https://mphn.org.au/testing-and-clinic-locations

To check your eligibility for a vaccine visit https://covid-vaccine.healthdirect.gov.au/eligibility. If you are eligible for the vaccine you will be redirected to book or find a service near you.