NSW restrictions: What are the new rules for weddings, funerals, pubs and events?
In an effort to avoid a repeat of the Sydney Crossroads Hotel COVID-19 outbreak, the NSW Government has introduced a raft of new restrictions for pubs, weddings, funerals, churches and corporate events across the state.
Effectively, all indoor venues and gatherings will now be subject to tighter restrictions as more information comes to light about community transmission of the virus.
From having a beer at your local to going to a funeral, here's what you need to know:
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned against singing, dancing and mingling at weddings in today's press conference as restrictions are tightened. Nine
What's the new rule for weddings? Can they still be held?
They can, but they won't look like a traditional wedding.
From next Friday July 24, the maximum number of people at weddings and corporate events has been reduced to just 150 people, subject to the four-square-metre rule.
Most importantly is that the 150 people must be seated.
According to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, that means "no dancing, no singing, no mingling".
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Wedding venues will be restricted to 100 people seated. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Is it the same for funerals, church gatherings, etc?
No. Funerals and places of worship will be limited to 100 people.
Both funerals and places of worship are still subject to the four-square-metre rule.
What about at my house, or at the local park? Can I still do bootcamp?
From next Friday the number of people allowed in private residences will be reduced to 20.
The same applies for outdoor space, so as long as your bootcamp class has 20 people or fewer, you can still train.
Despite this, Premier Gladys Berejiklian still recommended that for safety's sake, numbers should be restricted to groups of 10 people.
READ MORE: NSW Health Minister issues warning as restrictions tighten
Dr Kerry Chant said the next two weeks would be critical in the state's fight against COVID-19. Nine
How many people are allowed in my local pub?
From today, all venues have been capped at 300 people at any one time, regardless of size.
I want to host a birthday party for my friend, is that still possible?
Within reason, it is still possible but you are advised to avoid large gatherings.
From now, the number of people per booking or table will be reduced from 20 people to 10 people. This is an effort to reduce close human-to-human transmission of COVID-19.
Jennifer Rounds pouring last drinks at Fortune of War, Sydney's oldest pub, prior to closing its doors at 12 noon, due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, on March 23, 2020. SMH / Louise Kennerley
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Do I need to wear a mask? Will I have my temperature checked?
There's currently no advice or regulation that says you need to wear a mask at a pub in NSW.
Some venues may check your temperature upon entry as a form of good practice, but it's not required in the new restrictions.
Do I need to sign in?
You do. All hotels must now create a digital record of patron names and phone numbers that can be submitted to health authorities within 24 hours.
As a patron, it's fine for you to sign in on paper.
You will most likely see many venues adopt a "QR code" sign-in, which allows you to scan a code at a premises that will then record your details.
READ MORE: 'No dancing, no singing, no mingling'
Medical staff at a pop-up COVID-19 testing clinic, perform tests on drivers on July 11, 2020 in the Sydney suburb of Casula, Australia. NSW Health issued a public health alert on Friday after new confirmed COVID-19 cases in the state. Two people who visited the Crossroads Hotel in the south-west Sydney suburb of Casula on 3 July have tested positive, with all visitors to the hotel now being urged to self isolate and attend a pop-up testing clinic which has been set Getty
Is the onus on bar staff to make sure people are separate, abiding by social distancing?
The onus is always on the individual to practice social distancing, but under the new restrictions pub staff will have an additional role to play.
Each pub will now be required to have a "COVID Safe Hygiene Marshall" in "distinctive clothing" who oversees social distancing, cleaning and hygiene at a venue.
Large hotels with a capacity of 250 people or greater will need a marshall at all times, while those smaller than 250 will need a marshall in the peak periods (12pm to 3pm and 5pm to 9pm).
A picture of a crowd outside the Golden Sheaf in Sydney was posted to Reddit on July 8. Bluetooth155/Reddit
What happens if a pub is found to have breached these restrictions?
The first breach of the Public Health Order comes with a penalty of $5500.
If the pub is found to have breached the restrictions a second time, they will be forced to close for a week.
If there's a third offence – which Liquor and Gaming NSW call "repeated and willful non-compliance" – they will be forced to shutdown for one month.
You can get up-to-date information from the Federal Government's Coronavirus Australia app, available on the App Store, Google Play and the Government's WhatsApp channel.
Beyond Blue's Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service is a 24/7 service free of charge to all Australians. Visit the site here or call 1800512348
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