Greater Sydney's COVID-19 restrictions explained: Masks, gatherings under review after two new cases
Residents across the Greater Sydney region will be subject to snap new COVID-19 restrictions after two new cases of community transmission were discovered.
From midday today - and enforceable by authorities from 5pm - the restrictions will apply for residents of Greater Sydney including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains.
The restrictions will be in place until 12:01am Monday, May 10.
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The restrictions will apply to residents of Greater Sydney including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains. 9News
NSW's snap restrictions explained
From 5pm 6 May until 12:01am 10 May:
- Visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children;
- Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking);
- Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed;
- Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
- Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dancefloor at any one time; and
- Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.
What does this mean for Mother's day?
According to NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the snap restrictions should not affect the majority of Mother's Day plans for Sydney residents.
"If you've got a booking, go to the booking. Enjoy Mother's Day. Do what you would normally do," Ms Berejiklian said.
"This is the opposite approach. We're saying to businesses to keep doors open."
The primary restriction that will affect Mother's Day plans will be limiting people inside a private home to 20.
Large family gatherings will have to be restricted on Sunday.
Residents are being urged to keep their Mother's Day bookings. Janie Barrett
Where do I have to wear a mask?
Masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor theatres, such as:
- Retail stores (including supermarkets)
- Theatres
- Hospitals
- Aged care facilities
- Front-of-house hospitality staff
Patrons of pubs and restaurants will not be required to wear a mask, but they will be required to sit down.
Masks are once again mandatory for people on public transport. iStock
Additional restrictions for NSW Aged Care Facilities
Additional restrictions have been implemented for aged care facilities in the Greater Sydney region including Sydney, Nepean Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.
Going forward, a maximum of two visitors will be permitted per resident, per day.
All visitors and team members must wear a mask while inside the premises.
People who have been a close contact of the identified case or been at the casual contact locations will not be allowed to enter.
READ MORE: More venues in Sydney visited by positive coronavirus cases
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