02 Jan 2021 | 07:07 AM UTC
Australia: Officials tighten COVID-19 measures in Greater Sydney as of Jan. 2 /update 14
Authorities in New South Wales, Australia, tighten restrictions in Greater Sydney as of Jan. 2, due to COVID-19.
Event
The New South Wales (NSW) government has adjusted restrictions in parts of the state to stem the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as of Jan. 2. In Greater Sydney, which includes Blue Mountains, Central Coast, and Wollongong, individuals must wear facemasks indoors at shopping centers, public transport, entertainment facilities, places of worship, hospitality venues, and beauty salons starting 0001 Jan. 3. Noncompliance will attract a penalty starting Jan. 4. Places of worship can allow one person per 4 square meters (43 square feet) and a maximum of 100 persons per area. Wedding and funerals are also limited to 100 people, outdoor performances and protests to 500, and seated outdoor gatherings to 2,000. The rules will also apply to the southern areas of the Northern Beaches from 0001 Jan. 3.
Additionally, in the northern parts of Northern Beaches, defined as north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Baha'i Temple, stay-home orders and other rules continue through Jan. 9. Up to five people residing in the designated northern area can gather outdoors for exercise. Additional rules include the suspension of hospitality and event centers, gyms, places of worship, and nonessential entertainment businesses. Food establishments can serve only takeaway orders.
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 2 square meters (21 square feet) to be in their establishments at a time. However, gyms and dancefloors remain restricted to one person per 4 square meters (43 square feet) and 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.
