Australia: Officials extend COVID-19 restrictions across Greater Sydney, New South Wales, through Sept. 30 /update 8

Event

Authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have extended restrictions for Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour, and Wollongong, through at least Sept. 30 due to ongoing COVID-19 transmission. Officials will require people to wear masks when in public, except when exercising, from Aug. 23.

Several local government areas (LGAs) of concern will enact a 21:00-05:00 nightly curfew from Aug. 23; exemptions are in place for workers in permitted industries and people seeking emergency assistance. The affected LGAs are Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, as well as several Penrith suburbs. Residents can only travel within 5 km (3 miles) of home for essential purchases or exercise. People living in these areas must remain in their respective LGA unless for valid reasons, like working in essential industries. Additionally, residents who are working in permitted industries outside these LGAs can work on-site only if their workplace has implemented rapid antigen testing (RAT) or if they have had their first vaccination dose by Aug. 30. People entering the LGAs of concern to work must carry a worker permit issued by the authorities from Aug. 28.

Other restrictions will remain in effect across Greater Sydney. A stay-home order is in place, with exceptions for people who are obtaining essential goods and services, seeking medical care, exercising, or attending work or studies if remote options are impossible. Officials restrict shopping trips to one person per day per household, and residents must stay in their LGA or within 10 km (6 miles) of their residence if items are not available. Public gatherings are limited to two people, except for members of the same household. Officials permit single-person households to designate one person for visits.

Nonessential businesses must permit employees to work from home. Officials have closed most retail outlets in the region. Essential shops, such as supermarkets, petrol stations, banks, and pharmacies, remain open. Authorities permit construction works in most LGAs for non-occupied premises, with a density limit of one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Home maintenance works can occur with a cap of two workers indoors and five workers outside.

Authorities will require some categories of people traveling from Greater Sydney area (excluding Central Coast and Shellharbour) to regional NSW to obtain a permit from 00:01 Aug. 21. The groups include people from Greater Sydney who need to travel more than 50 km (31 miles) from Greater Sydney for work purposes.

Domestic Border Controls
Officials prohibit people from entering Greater Sydney unless for reasons specified under the stay-at-home order. The government has altered public transport schedules, reducing availability to curb travel. Authorities have deployed NSW Police to hard-hit communities in southwest and western Sydney to help enforce measures. Heightened security, including checkpoints, is likely throughout Greater Sydney. Transport and business disruptions will probably continue.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and cooperative if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Stock up on essential supplies. Plan for business disruptions. Confirm appointments if operating in Greater Sydney.

Resources

NSW COVID-19 Information