What new COVID restrictions mean for your NYE plans

All your questions about Victoria’s border closure and new COVID restrictions answered.

New COVID restrictions will kick in at 5pm. Here’s what they mean for your holiday plans and New Year’s Eve.

I HAVE A HOLIDAY BOOKED TO NSW WHAT SHOULD I DO?

The border to NSW closes at 11.59pm on January 1 so holidays will have to wait.

I’M FROM VICTORIA BUT AM CURRENTLY IN A NSW GREEN ZONE WHAT SHOULD I DO?

Make arrangements now to come home. You will not be able to return to Victoria after 11.59pm Friday without going into hotel quarantine. If you are driving and don’t think you will make the cut off you should apply for a special permit to exempt you.

I’M IN THE ACT WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR ME?

The ACT is still considered a green zone so you are free to stay and can come home without restriction as planned. However if you plan to drive back to Victoria you should obtain a green zone permit to help you cross the border, as you will be passing through NSW.

WHAT ARE THE BORDER RULES RIGHT NOW?

If you have been to the Blue Mountains or Wollongong regions from 27 December you have until 11.59pm Thursday to get back to Victoria but must apply for a travel permit, be tested and isolate.

If you are in other regional areas of NSW you have until 11.59pm Friday to get home. You should get tested and isolate until you have a result.

After tonight the Blue Mountains and Wollongong join the Northern Beaches area, Greater Sydney, and the NSW Central Coast as red zones and you will not be able to enter Victoria without going into hotel quarantine.

From 11.59pm on Friday that rule will apply to the whole state of NSW.

I’VE BEEN IN NSW SHOULD I GET TESTED?

If you have been in NSW in the last 10 days yes, get tested. If you have already been tested continue to monitor your health. If you get even the slightest symptoms get tested again. Coronavirus can take up to 14 days to show up.

WHERE CAN I GET TESTED?

Check the DHHS website for testing locations and estimated wait times.

dhhs.vic.gov.au/where-get-tested-covid-19

CAN I STILL HAVE A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT MY HOUSE?

Yes, but the number of people allowed in your home has been halved from 30 to 15. This means 15 people on top of whoever lives at the house. Babies under 12 months don’t count.

CAN I HAVE A BBQ IN A PARK?

Yes, there are no changes to outdoor gatherings in a public place. Up to 100 people can gather in a park for a picnic or BBQ. But a backyard counts as a private residence and is subject to the 15-person limit.

CAN I GO TO A PUB OR RESTAURANT TONIGHT?

Yes, there is no change to opening hours or numbers in restaurants, pubs and clubs.

DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MASK IF I GO TO A NYE PARTY?

You must wear a mask when indoors except in your own home. The only exception is when eating or drinking.

Health Minister Martin Foley: “If you are outside of your home … you must have your mask and you must wear it. Obviously, the exceptions are when you are sitting down at a venue and eating and drinking.”

WHEN DO THESE RESTRICTIONS CHANGE?

Thursday 5pm.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I’VE BEEN TO AN EXPOSURE SITE?

Get tested today and isolate at home until you have the result.

WHAT IF I’VE BEEN TO ONE OF THE LOCATIONS BUT NOT DURING THE IDENTIFIED TIME PERIOD?

There is no need to get tested but like all other Victorians monitor yourself for symptoms and get tested if the slightest do appear.