Three new COVID-19 cases as restrictions ease further in Sydney
Gym junkies could find out this week when they’ll be able to start working out again while 3300 extra bus and train services will be added to allow for physical distancing. HERE’S WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO IN NSW TODAY.
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Sydney’s partial reopening from COVID-19 lockdowns began today and the move has many winners – but those left out are getting angry.
As pubs, clubs, beauty salons and places of worship prepare for rapid increases in patronage, the state’s gyms remain closed – much to the bemusement of the industry.
Fitness Australia CEO Barrie Elvish said while other states have opened their gyms or have concrete dates as to when they will be reopened, NSW’s fitness facilities have been given no path back to normality. .
“Nobody has given us an explanation as to why other states have made some sort of concession but not NSW,” Mr Elvish said.
“Gyms are incredibly important for people’s exercise yet the government apparently seems more concerned with making sure people can get their nails done.
“Gyms obviously are much more beneficial to someone’s overall health.”
Mr Elvish said he also felt for yoga studios that remain closed despite being a low intensity exercise where people bring their own mats.
Gym owners and fanatics have also taken to social media, with a number of petitions advocating for a staggered reopening gathering thousands of signatures.
NSW Premier Berejiklian addressed the outrage on Monday, saying she would be making an announcement on gyms this week.
“There are two things we want to say about in the near future and that is children’s community sport but also gyms and dance studios and the like so we will have something to say,” she told 2GB’s Ben Fordham.
“What we need to do is make sure everyone is safe, everyone reopens in a COVID-safe way, that’s our mantra.”
Ms Berejiklian’s comments come despite a NSW Health spokeswoman saying intense physical exercise in densely populated sports facilities could increase risk of infection.
“Vigorous exercise in confined spaces should be minimised during outbreaks,” she said.
Like gyms, brothels and strip clubs, indoor pools, community halls and prison visits remain off limits.
From Monday pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes will be allowed a maximum of 50 customers – subject to the one person per 4sq m rule.
Solotel Group will reopen half of its 28 venues, including The Clock at Surry Hills, the Golden Sheaf at Double Bay and the Courthouse Hotel Newtown.
CEO Justine Baker said this will bring one-third of their 1660-strong workforce back on the job.
“We’ve had a flood of bookings for anniversaries, birthdays and family celebrations – people are really making up for their time in quarantine,” she said.
Wedding guest numbers go up from 10-20, while places of worship and funerals will have a 50-person limit.
Sydney Zoo is also looking forward to its long-awaited return June 6, albeit with reduced numbers of visitors, limited interactive events and most indoor facilities remaining closed.
“We're delighted to be able to welcome back our wonderful guests to connect people with animals once again,” managing director Jake Burgess said.
“Sydney Zoo is a predominantly outdoor venue with plenty of space and fresh air and offers a great place to enjoy time with your family and friends.”
Norwest Beauty Therapy at Bella Vista in Sydney’s north west is one of hundreds of beauty salons to be opening their doors next week.
“The response of my clients has been overwhelming since announcing our reopening, we are fully booked for the next two weeks and almost into the third week,” owner Dominque Cavallaro said.
“Myself and another therapist will be looking after clients while we have another therapist solely looking after reception to oversee COVID hygiene and safety requirements.”
Transport Minister Andrew Constance today announced more than 3,300 extra public transport services to try and alleviate concerns about physical distancing.
“Looking at the data, it is clear the majority of people have listened and made smart travel choices so far and we thank them for this,” Mr Constance said.
“However, there has been a slight increase in peak hour travel in the past two weeks and we don’t want to see that continuing,” he said.
The extra services include 250 train services, while most of the new timetable will be buses, particularly in the west.
Transport for NSW Chief Operations Officer Howard Collins echoed the state government’s calls for everyone to stay at home if they can, and not to travel during peak time unless absolutely necessary.
“Tradies, health care workers, shift workers and school kids need to travel at specific times of the day which is why we have targeted some of these extra services for them.
“Our strong advice remains that if you are not already using public transport during the peak times, please do not start now.”