27 Jan 2021 | 05:46 AM UTC
Australia: Officials to further ease COVID-19 restrictions Greater Sydney from Jan. 29; measures to continue in New South Wales /update 16
Authorities to ease COVID-19 restrictions in Greater Sydney, Australia, from Jan. 29. Relaxed controls ongoing in regional New South Wales.
Event
Officials in New South Wales (NSW) will ease restrictions in Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast, and Wollongong, from 0001 Jan. 29 due to reduced coronavirus disease (COVID-19) transmission. Under the new regulations, authorities will allow household gatherings of up to 30 people and outdoor groups of 50 people in the region. Hospitality, religious, and event venues must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). The government will lift a facemask mandate for some indoor public areas, such as retail outlets, but continue to require facemasks on public transport, at places of worship, and for client-facing staff at hospitality venues and some personal service businesses. Police could issue noncompliance fines. Authorities continue to limit capacity at outdoor events 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.
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. Nonessential businesses can operate with capacity limited to one person per 2 square meters (21 square feet). 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; without assigned seating are subject to the two square meter rule, up to 3,000 patrons. 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. Authorities urge residents in regional NSW to wear facemasks in indoor public areas where social distancing is impractical, especially on public transport, but there is no mandate. Officials continue to request 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, the government could introduce new border controls or quarantine requirements at short notice in the event of COVID-19 activity in other parts of Australia.
International Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Arrivals from New Zealand can enter New South Wales but must quarantine as of Jan. 25, but quarantine rules could change at short notice. Costs for quarantine are at the traveler's own expense, payable at the end of the period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,321) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 774) per additional adult, and AUD 355 (USD 275) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old or travelers from New Zealand. 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.
