Coronavirus restrictions: what you can and can’t do in NSW
The latest COVID-19 restrictions wound back on Friday have allowed NSW residents to return to some sort of normality. But it’s still not business as usual. It comes as the state recorded just three new cases in the past 24 hours.
NSW
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NSW has recorded three new cases of COVID-19 in the past 24 hours, as a host of eased restrictions allowed residents to return to some normality.
More than 9892 people were tested on Friday — the same day pubs, restaurants and cafes reopened — with the low case numbers a positive sign NSW continues to suppress the virus.
Deputy chief medical officer Jeremy McAnulty said of the three cases, one was an overseas traveller who is in a quarantine hotel, one was a close contact of a known case in the eastern suburbs area, and one case was under investigation in western Sydney.
“So while there are three cases, which is a small number, we do know that the virus is bubbling underneath the surface,” Dr McAnulty said.
“The really important message is that people get tested if they have any symptoms at all,” Dr McAnulty said.
Currently, 101 cases are being treated by NSW Health — six in intensive care. Of those, three require ventilators. Of the 3074 total NSW cases, 2611 have recovered.
The latest figures come as NSW began enjoying the first weekend of eased restrictions o after the State Government wound back a host of measures on Friday.
VIRUS STILL AMONG US
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he had observed people enjoying the relaxed restrictions but noted many weren’t heeding critical warnings to keep their distance from each other.
“Certainly from what I have seen, there are a lot more people out, but there are also a lot of people who are not actually adhering to the social distancing message,” Mr Hazzard said.
“We need to remember that this virus is still amongst us. This virus is still extremely dangerous. We need vigilance and we need to make sure the sacrifice we have all endured in the last few months sees positive outcomes going forward.”
He said an alarming number of patients were also ignoring medical conditions and avoiding their local doctor as fears over the coronavirus pandemic continue.
The Austrailan Medical Association had warned him that 85 per cent of GPs had reported they were “seeing far less patients” than before the pandemic.
“There are a lot of people in this past few months who have simply shut down their own medical attention,” Mr Hazzard said.
“That is a real problem because people who have medical issues, even if you don’t know you have a medical issue, you should still be going to your GP.”
Dentists had also reported a drop in numbers and while Mr Hazzard said dental practioners may have temporarily closed as they stocked up on personal protective equipment, there were now plenty of supplies and most dentists were open as normal.
“The message here from me as the health minister is that you still need to look after yourself,” Mr Hazzard said. “Please go and see your GP, please go to the dentist or the doctor you would normally go to.”
WHAT YOU CAN AND CAN’T DO THIS WEEKEND
Here’s the breakdown of how restrictions changed on Friday
HOW MANY VISITORS CAN I HAVE?
At home, you can have five visitors over now, in total, including children.
An overnight stay as part of a visit to someone’s house is allowed but travelling for holidays in NSW is not allowed.
WHAT IF WE’RE A BIG GROUP?
Under eased restrictions, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people are now permitted.
But an outdoor gathering means a gathering in a park or public place.
In your home you can only have up to five visitors.
CAN I GO OUT FOR A DRINK OR A MEAL?
Restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs can have up to 10 patrons seated at any one time if they maintain social distancing — that’s 4 sqm per person with 1.5m between.
While you might be able to easily snag a table at a cafe, best to call ahead as patron limits mean many venues are booking timeslots, with some already booked out.
Going to a pub or bar to order drinks only is still banned, you must be dining in.
Restaurants and bars inside shopping centres will also be able to open with the 10 person limit. Gaming facilities can’t reopen but night entertainment venues can’t reopen unless they have a restaurant.
CAN I GROUP TRAIN OUTDOORS?
You can now train outdoors with a group of up to 10 people, with social distancing applying.
Outdoor equipment including gyms and playgrounds can now be used with caution, with people encouraged to wipe down the equipment.
Assume the person who has used the equipment before you has the virus.
CAN I SWIM AT AN OUTDOOR POOL?
Outdoor pools can operate but can have no more than 10 people at a time and no more than one person per lane. Change areas will also remain closed.
Check your pool for more details including booking — outdoor pools in the City of Sydney remit remain closed.
Coastal rock pools from Bondi to Maroubra were opened yesterday.
CAN I GO ON A PICNIC?
You can now go on a picnic with up to 10 people total, as long as it’s outdoors in a public place with social distancing — not in your backyard.
CAN I GO TO CHURCH?
Religious gatherings and places of worship can welcome up to 10 people. Contact your place of worship for details. Catholic churches in NSW reopened on Friday for private prayer, confession and small-scale masses. St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney’s CBD opened at 6.30am, with the first of four masses held at 7am
WEDDINGS AND FUNERALS
Couples can now host 10 guests owed at weddings, 20 at indoor funerals and 30 at outdoor funerals.