5km or LGA? We explain what some of the language of the Covid-19 restrictions

With so many questions flying across Facebook since the regions were locked down on Saturday, much of the language still isn’t clear. We ask health authorities to give a clear answer.

Since Saturday’s snap lockdown of all New South Wales, questions have been flying thick and fast as to what you can and can’t do.

And while there are rules available, it’s often unclear exactly what the detail of each one is, and how they apply to different areas across the state.

The Daily Examiner has scoured local social media to find the questions causing the most concern across the community, and has found answers from a Northern NSW Local Health District spokeswoman to clarify the big issues that seem to be perplexing people.

As always, there are many official sources that are updated regularly, and for any doubts, people can call ServiceNSW on 13 77 88 to hear from official channels.

>>> STAY UP TO DATE: NSW Covid-19 exposure sites updated every 15 minutes here

1. Stay within 5km or their LGA. What does this mean?

First of all, many people have never heard the term LGA. The term stands for Local Government Area, so if you’re in Grafton, Maclean, Yamba, or fall under Clarence Valley Council, that is your LGA. Places such as Evans Head, Woodburn, Coraki fall under Richmond Valley, and south in Woolgoolga, Coffs Harbour fall under the Coffs Harbour LGA.

Click here for a map of the local government areas in New South Wales:

As far as movement goes, this means that you can move anywhere within your LGA for essential purposes. NSW Health is asking people not to move about unless for essential purposes. These purposes can be found here:

As far as shopping or exercise requirements, the wording means that you can move either within that local government area, or cross into another LGA within five kilometres of your home. This is unless the goods or services you need to purchase are not available locally.

Other rules include:

• If travelling by a private vehicle (car), do not share a car with other people you do not live with.
• Only 1 person per household may leave their home to shop for food or other goods and services (you may take a dependent person with you if that person cannot be left at home on their own).
• You may take a dependent person with you if that person cannot be left at home on their own.

Any movement for essential purposes must be for that express purpose however – there is no stopping off to “window shop” or any other non-permitted purposes on the way.

2. Are people allowed to send their children to childcare if they’re not an essential worker

While people are encouraged to keep children at home and limit their movements, under the stay at home rules, it is a reasonable excuse to leave your home to drop off or pick up children from early childhood education and care services, regardless of where your childcare service is located.

More information can be found at the childcare rules here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions#children-and-parenting

3. Can I work in my business if I have the doors closed?

The official rules state that in local government areas where the stay at home rules apply, employers must allow an employee to work from home if the employee is reasonably able to do so. You may leave home to go to work if you cannot reasonably work from home, and the business is allowed to be open.

The full list of businesses that are allowed to be open, and closed are here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/affected-regions

For businesses requiring more clarification on their individual circumstances, please call Service NSW on 13 77 88.

4. What are the rules for mask wearing now?

In local government areas where the stay at home rules apply, when you leave home you must carry a face mask with you at all times. You must wear a face mask:

• in all indoor areas of non-residential premises
• at certain outdoor gatherings
• if you are on public transport
• in a major recreation facility such as a stadium
• if you are working in a hospitality venue in indoor and outdoor areas of construction sites, except when an exemption applies such as when wearing a face mask creates a safety issue or there is a worksite emergency when working in an outdoor area.

Face masks must be worn at indoor or outdoor areas of a fresh food market.

5. Your rights with police.

If exercising outside your home, you MUST take proof of address with you. You must show your proof of address if asked by the NSW Police.