Australia: Officials extend tighter restrictions across regional New South Wales until 00:01 Aug. 28 due to COVID-19 concerns /update 36

Event

Authorities in New South Wales (NSW) have extended the stay-at-home order for regional NSW until at least 00:01 Aug. 28 due to COVID-19 activity. Similar controls also remain in place in Greater Sydney until at least Aug. 28. Residents can only leave home to obtain essential goods and services, seek medical care, exercise, or attend work or studies if remote options are impossible. Gatherings are limited to two people. Authorities allow one person from each household to purchase essential goods per day; exemptions are in place for dependents. Individuals must stay within their local government area (LGA) but may cross into another LGA if it is within 5km (3 miles) of their residence and not an area of concern. Officials permit single-person households to designate one person for visits.

Food establishments may open only for delivery services. Most retail outlets will remain closed except those serving essential services like groceries, pharmacies, and banks. Officials require businesses to limit capacity to one person per 4 square meters (43 square feet). Nonessential businesses must permit employees to work from home. Facemasks remain mandatory when outside the residence. Funerals may occur with up to 10 people.

Domestic Border Controls
The state requires individuals who have been in ACT, Queensland, and Victoria within the previous 14 days to complete an entry declaration. Individuals with recent exposure to a place of high concern that officials designated as a casual contact place must self-quarantine until receiving a negative COVID-19 test result or until 14 days have elapsed since being at the specified location. Nonresidents of New South Wales with exposure to areas of concern remain barred from entering the state.

Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. Costs for quarantine are at the traveler's own expense, payable at the end of the period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 for the first adult, AUD 1,000 per additional adult, and AUD 500 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. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

New South Wales Government
NSW Health
NSW Interstate Hotspots
NSW-Victoria Border Region