Relief at last: Tough coronavirus restrictions relax in New South Wales

Relief at last: NSW residents can welcome more people into their homes, weddings and funerals – as well as remove their masks in supermarkets from TODAY – so what will change for you?

  • New South Wales has enjoyed 12 straight days without Covid-19 local cases 
  • Greater Sydney residents no longer have to wear masks in supermarkets 
  • 300 people will be allowed at weddings and funerals, up from cap of 100 
  • However, dancing is still banned except for 20 people nominated by the bride 

New South Wales residents no longer have to wear masks in supermarkets from Friday as coronavirus restrictions are relaxed.

The state has enjoyed 12 days without a local case of coronavirus, allowing Premier Gladys Berejiklian to pare back the rules imposed on Greater Sydney when a cluster emerged on the Northern Beaches on December 16.

Masks are now optional except on public transport, at places of worship and in hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms where they are compulsory.

Masks are now optional in shops but must be worn on public transport, at places of worship and in hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms where they are compulsory

Up to 300 people can attend weddings from Friday as NSW relaxes coronavirus rules

Up to 300 people can attend weddings from Friday as NSW relaxes coronavirus rules

Previously only five visitors were allowed to a home but now up to 30 visitors can gather and up to 50 people can meet outside. 

Weddings and funerals will be allowed 300 people, up from 100, as long as they abide by the four square metre rule. 

However, dancing is still banned except for 20 people nominated by the bride. 

Hospitality venues must stick to hosting one person per four square metres – but the cap is due to double to one person per two square metres in two weeks’ time. 

Most states and territories have relaxed border restrictions with New South Wales to allow travellers to enter, with some testing requirements in place.

Western Australia still requires arrivals to isolate for 14 days, while the Northern Territory and Tasmania are still banning residents from 10 LGAs in western Sydney.  

On Friday New South Wales had three Covid-19 cases acquired overseas, bringing the total number since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,910.

There were 11,897 tests reported to 8pm on Thursday, compared with the previous day’s total of 7,809. 

Speaking on Friday morning, Premier Berejiklian said she was still concerned that transmission was not being detected due to low testing rates. 

Up to 300 people can attend funerals from Friday as NSW relaxes coronavirus rules

Up to 300 people can attend funerals from Friday as NSW relaxes coronavirus rules 

On Friday New South Wales had three Covid-19 cases acquired overseas, bringing the total number since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,910

On Friday New South Wales had three Covid-19 cases acquired overseas, bringing the total number since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,910

‘The reason why we have eased some restrictions but not all of them today in Greater Sydney is because we want to be confident we have not missed any chains of transmission that have bubbled along in the community,’ she said. 

‘Every day of the pandemic worries me but we are in a very good position and I am grateful that the community has taken the advice provided either government the health experts.

‘We base everything on the signs of the data and I am so grateful that our community continues to work together not only keep the virus that baby to keep the economy going, to keep jobs going.’  

What are the new rules for Sydney? 

The following measures will be effective from 12.01am Friday, 29 January for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):

· Visitors to households will be increased to 30 guests – including children.

· Outdoor gatherings will be increased to 50 people in total.

· Weddings and funerals will be capped at 300 people (fully seated) subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule with no singing or dancing (except 20 nominated people in the wedding party can dance).

· All other venues including hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues (fully seated with no singing or dancing) will be subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule.

· Smaller hospitality venues will be allowed at least 25 people.

· Singing indoors including choirs or places of worship will be limited to five people.

· Masks will be recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venues.

· Masks will remain compulsory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms.

· Aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearing. 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk