11 Oct 2021 | 04:39 AM UTC
Australia: Officials ease restrictions throughout Greater Sydney for vaccinated population as of Oct. 11 /update 12
Officials ease restrictions throughout Greater Sydney, Australia, as of Oct. 11; tighter controls remain for unvaccinated residents.
Event
Authorities have eased COVID-19-related controls for fully vaccinated people across Greater Sydney, including the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Shellharbour, and Wollongong, as of Oct. 11. The move will benefit those who have completed their vaccination series, those holding a medical exemption from vaccination, as well as those under 16 years of age accompanied by a vaccinated adult. Additional relaxations are possible in the coming weeks, depending on vaccination rates.
Nonessential businesses may open to fully vaccinated customers; retail, hospitality, personal services, fitness centers, and entertainment venues must limit capacity to one person per four square meters (43 square feet). Entertainment venues with fixed seating may operate at 75 percent capacity in Greater Sydney. Ticketed seated events can take place with 500 patrons outdoors, while stadiums and other venues holding major outdoor attractions can hold up to 5,000 people. The government will continue to mandate facemasks in public indoor areas; hospitality staff must also wear facemasks in outdoor areas. Officials have increased the daily household visitor limit to ten vaccinated people from five, and the participant limit for outdoor gatherings to 30 vaccinated people from 20. Weddings and funerals may also involve 100 vaccinated people, an increase from the previous limit of 50. Vaccinated individuals may travel within Greater Sydney for any reason. However, travel between Greater Sydney and other regions is only allowed for essential reasons.
Strict measures continue for unvaccinated residents, who must adhere to an indefinite stay-home order. They can only leave home to obtain essential goods and services, seek medical care, exercise, or attend work or studies if remote options are unavailable. Outdoor gatherings are limited to two unvaccinated people. Unvaccinated individuals must stay within their Local Government Area (LGA) or 5 km (3 miles) of their residence. They must wear facemasks in all public areas, except when exercising.
Authorities may re-impose stay-home orders or tighter controls in LGAs with increased COVID-19 activity. Typically, residents in such LGAs of concern can only work on-site in other areas of Sydney if their workplace has implemented rapid antigen testing (RAT) or they have had their first vaccination dose. People entering LGAs of concern to work must carry a work permit. Authorized workers must continue to register with officials to travel between the affected LGAs and other parts of Greater Sydney.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and cooperative if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas as a precaution. Confirm appointments if operating in Greater Sydney.
