08 Jan 2021 | 07:34 AM UTC
Australia: Officials to ease COVID-19 restrictions in Northern Beaches from Jan. 10; measures to continue in Greater Sydney, New South Wales /update 15
Authorities to ease restrictions in Northern Beaches, New South Wales, Australia, from Jan. 10. Controls to continue in Greater Sydney.
Event
Officials in New South Wales (NSW) will ease restrictions in the northern parts of Northern Beaches, defined as north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Baha'i Temple, from Jan. 10 due to reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The reduction will bring the region in line with ongoing regulations in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, as well as the Central Coast and Wollongong. Authorities are limiting home gatherings to five people and outdoor public groups to 30 people. Outdoor events can take place, though capacity is limited to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet); up to 500 people can attend outdoor performances and protests, while 2,000 people can attend seated outdoor gatherings. The government requires individuals to wear facemasks indoors at shopping centers, public transport, entertainment facilities, places of worship, hospitality venues, and beauty salons; police could issue noncompliance fines.
In other parts of New South Wales, the government allows 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 outside of Greater Sydney, 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.
Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows travelers to enter from most Australian states and territories without quarantine. However, officials will require arrivals from Greater Brisbane, including Ipswich, Logan, Moreton Bay, and Redlands, to abide by that region's 1800 Jan. 8-1800 Jan. 11 lockdown order while in NSW. Officials expect affected travelers to remain at home, except for approved reasons, during the lockdown period. The government could introduce additional controls 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 2,332) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 777) per additional adult, and AUD 355 (USD 276) 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.
