23 Dec 2020 | 11:41 AM UTC
Australia: New South Wales to slightly ease restrictions in Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney, Dec. 24-26 /update 11
New South Wales, Australia, to slightly ease controls in Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney, Dec. 24-26; tighter measures to return Dec. 27.
Event
The New South Wales (NSW) government will marginally ease restrictions in Greater Sydney Dec. 24-26, amid ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Authorities will vary restrictions in north and south areas of the Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA) during the period. In the northern section, defined as north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Baha'i Temple, officials will allow up to five guests to visit homes, provided they also live in the designated northern area. Travel to or from the northern zone remains restricted, except for essential purposes. In the southern part of Northern Beaches, locals can depart home to visit other residents in the southern zone and host up to 10 people from any location; officials will not consider primary school children and younger in the gathering limit. However, residents in the southern portion of Northern Beaches still cannot depart the area. In Greater Sydney, authorities have extended restrictions until further notice; however, the government will not count children below the age of 12 in the 10-person home gathering cap.
Tighter measures will automatically resume in Northern Beaches and Greater Sydney from Dec. 27. A stay-at-home order will take effect for residents in Northern Beaches. Locals can only leave home to purchase essential items, exercise, work, access childcare, and attend funerals, among others. Officials will again restrict travel to, from, and within the LGA. Public gatherings of more than two people are banned in most instances; hospitality and event centers, gyms and places of worship, and nonessential entertainment businesses, will remain closed. In the rest of metropolitan Sydney, officials allow up to 10 people at private residences - including children - and a maximum of 300 people at hospitality venues and places of worship. Density limits of one person per two square meters (21 square feet) will be allowed. Dancefloors will remain banned except at weddings.
In other parts of New South Wales, authorities continue to allow up to 50 people at private residences, though they encourage smaller groups of 30 people indoors. Public gatherings of 100 people can also occur. 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 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. 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 be tested, even if asymptomatic.
Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows travelers to enter from all Australian states and territories without quarantine. However, controls could be reintroduced at short notice.
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. 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.
