28 Dec 2020 | 09:59 AM UTC
Australia: COVID-19 restrictions in parts of New South Wales extended through Jan. 9, 2021 /update 12
New South Wales, Australia, extends restrictions in northern parts of Northern Beaches, Greater Sydney through Jan. 9, 2021 due to COVID-19.
Event
The New South Wales (NSW) government has extended coronavirus disease (COVID-19) restrictions in both the northern and southern areas of Greater Sydney's Northern Beaches Local Government Area (LGA), though authorities will slightly ease rules Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021. Officials are enforcing stay-home orders and other restrictions in the northern parts of Northern Beaches, defined as north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Baha'i Temple, through Jan. 9, 2021. Locals can only leave home to purchase essential items, exercise, work, access childcare, and attend funerals, among others. Up to five people to gather outdoors for exercise, provided they reside in the designated northern area. Indoor gatherings of up to five people can occur Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021, as long as they live in the designated northern area. Travel to or from the northern zone remains restricted, except for essential purposes. In the southern regions of Northern Beaches, stay-home rules and other controls are in place through Jan. 2, 2021. A maximum of 10 people can gather outdoors for exercise, provided they live in the designated southern area. Up to 10 people can gather indoors Dec. 31, 2020-Jan. 1, 2021, as long as they reside in the designated southern area. Additional rules across Northern Beaches include the suspension of hospitality and event centers, gyms and places of worship, and nonessential entertainment businesses. Food establishments can serve only takeaway orders.
In the rest of metropolitan Sydney, officials allow up to 10 people at private residences - including children - and a maximum of 300 people at hospitality venues and places of worship. Capacity limits of one person per two square meters (21 square feet) will be allowed. Dancefloors will remain banned except at weddings.
In other parts of New South Wales, authorities continue to allow 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 two square meters (21 square feet) to be in their establishments at a time. However, gyms and dancefloors remain restricted to one person per four square meters (43 square feet), 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, 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 be tested, even if asymptomatic.
Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows travelers to enter from all Australian states and territories without quarantine. However, controls could be reintroduced 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 2,270) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 756) per additional adult, and AUD 355 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.
