Northern Beaches venues will be allowed one person per two square metres from this Friday.
With 24 days in a row at zero cases of community transmission of COVID-19, NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant has updated health advice to be effective from 12.01am Friday, 12 February, for the Greater Sydney region including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains:
- One person per two square metres will apply at all venues, except for gyms. Weddings and funerals will still be subject to a 300 person cap.
- Masks will only be mandatory on public transport, but will strongly be encouraged in other indoor venues where social distancing is not possible
Gladys Berejiklian
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the changes were about striking the balance between keeping the economy going and boosting jobs whilst ensuring COVID-19 is kept under control.
“We want to continue to give the community and businesses the confidence to move forward, especially with the expansion of the two square metres rule which will allow most venues to double their capacity.
“However, as we ease restrictions it is important we don’t let our guard down – the community needs to continue to play their role in being COVIDsafe and coming forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms,” said Premier Berejiklian.
Brad Hazzard
NSW Health Minister and Member for Wakehurst Brad Hazzard said restrictions could be eased thanks to the people of NSW who have followed social distancing guidelines and continued to get tested.
“It is vital people continue to maintain their social distance, come forward for testing, don’t go to work if they’re unwell and wear a mask where they cannot guarantee social distancing,” said Minister Hazzard.
Kerry Chant
Dr Kerry Chant urged people to avoid complacency despite no recent cases of community transmission.
“We need to continue to practice COVIDsafe behaviours and stay home and get tested if unwell,” said Dr Chant.
Member for Manly James Griffin is pleased at the announcement which allows venues to host more people and bring in more business. Mr Griffin said that while we must always remain vigilant of the risk posed by the virus, we must be able to keep our economy running and allow people to enjoy their lives safely.
James Griffin
“After 24 straight days of no community transmission in the entire state, a testament to the NSW Government’s management of the outbreak, it is great venues can bring more business through the doors.
“We had a hard run over summer in the Northern Beaches but we are now seeing the returns from our work as we move to a COVID normal and allow more people to visit their favourite bars and cafes again sooner than hoped,” said Mr Griffin.
The announcement made today by the Premier and Minister for Health follows the Northern Beaches Business Support Package that was announced earlier in the month. Mr Griffin praised the NSW Government’s support of the Northern Beaches economy through grants and a targeted promotion to attract more business.
“This is a crucial time for Manly businesses as they recoup the lost income over summer and the combined effort of reduced restrictions and a concerted effort to build the local economy will drive our recovery,” said Mr Griffin.
Information about health restrictions and the how to stay COVIDsafe is available through the NSW Government website.
Image: Envato
