Australia: New South Wales government tightens restrictions in Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney area, as of Dec. 20 /update 10

Event

The New South Wales (NSW) government is enforcing a stay-at-home order for residents of Northern Beaches Local Government Area in metropolitan Sydney through 2359 Dec. 23, due to increasing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the area. Residents are permitted to leave home to purchase essential items, exercise, or for work purposes along with accessing childcare, attending funerals, among others. Officials are restricting traveling to, from, and within the Northern Beaches. Public gathering of more than two remain banned in most instances; hospitality and event centers, along with gyms and places of worship, will remain closed.

Additionally, authorities are placing tighter restrictions in Greater Sydney region 2359 Dec. 20 - 2359 Dec. 23. Officials allow up to 10 people at private residences and a maximum of 300 people at hospitality venues and places of worship where only one person per two square meters (21 square feet) will be allowed. Dancefloors will remain banned except at weddings. Residents of the Greater Sydney area, Central Coast, Illawarra-Shoalhaven, and Nepean Blue Mountains are also not allowed to visit elder care facilities.

Further restrictions are likely to be imposed in the Northern Beaches, adjacent areas of metropolitan Sydney, and possibly throughout New South Wales in the coming days.

The New South Wales government earlier issued statewide COVID-19 restrictions outside of affected areas. Authorities allow up to 50 people at private residences, though they continue to encourage smaller groups of 30 people indoors. Public gatherings of 100 people can also occur. Although the state has no facemask mandate, authorities urge residents to wear facemasks in indoor public areas where social distancing is impractical, especially on public transport. Officials also suggest that people who have visited any establishments with reported COVID-19 cases self-quarantine for 14 days and get tested, even if asymptomatic.

Most nonessential businesses can operate but are limited to allowing only one person per two square meters (21 square feet) to be in their establishments at a time. However, gyms and dancefloors remain restricted to one person per four square meters (43 square feet), up to 50 people per area. Outdoor stadiums and theaters can operate at 100 percent of capacity, while indoor venues may do so at 75-percent capacity. The government permits outdoor ticketed events of up to 5,000 people. Outdoor events without assigned seating remain limited to 3,000 attendees and must follow the two square meter rule. Capacity limits do not apply to transport hubs, hospitals, courts, supermarkets, schools, hotel accommodations, and commercial operations, including office buildings, factories, warehouses, and mining and construction sites, among others.

Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows travelers to enter from all Australian states and territories without quarantine. Most states and territories outside of New South Wales have barred entry by persons with recent travel history in the Northern Beaches. Western Australia has imposed a 14-day quarantine requirement on travelers from all areas of New South Wales. South Australia is banning entry to people who have visited North Beaches and require travelers from Greater Sydney to quarantine for 14 days upon arrival and undergo COVID-19 tests on day 1, 5, and 12.

International Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. New Zealand residents can enter New South Wales without quarantine. Costs for quarantine are at the traveler's own expense, payable at the end of the period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,270) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 756) per additional adult, and AUD 355 per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Travelers who purchased tickets with a confirmed arrival date before 2359 July 12 are exempt from payment. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the 10th day of quarantine. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays between Victoria and New South Wales. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

New South Wales Government
NSW Health
Areas of Concern - South Australia