This was published 4 years ago
Berejiklian announces first relaxation of NSW social distancing rules
By Mary Ward
Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced NSW social distancing restrictions will be slightly relaxed from Friday, with two adults allowed to make a visit to someone in a home.
There were five new cases of coronavirus in NSW diagnosed on Monday, after 4000 tests were conducted on Sunday. All five cases were connected to known sources, which the state's Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant described as "pleasing".
Up to two adults will be allowed to visit other people at their homes as of Friday, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced.Credit: Rhett Wyman
Meanwhile, another resident has died at a Newmarch House nursing home in western Sydney, the seventh to pass away at the facility after being diagnosed with COVID-19.
In a statement on Tuesday morning, Anglicare Sydney said it was "a very sad time for the family but also for the residents and staff who knew this resident well". The death brings the national toll to 84.
There have been 53 cases of coronavirus linked to Newmarch House, which is within Anglicare's Caddens Village near Penrith.
Last week, extra staff from other aged care facilities were brought in to care for the now 27 residents who have COVID-19, after more than 50 staff were taken off rosters due to either contracting or being exposed to the virus.
Meanwhile, Ms Berejiklian announced a slight easing of social gathering restrictions.
"Two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing social isolation and everybody's mental health," Ms Berejiklian said.
"We know that for many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes."
If you have younger children, you will be able to bring them with you on the visit and they will not count towards the "two adults" total.
However, Ms Berejiklian warned that social distancing and caution should still be in practice during these visits.
"I do want to stress that if you're visiting someone who is over 70 years of age, or someone with a co-morbidity, you have to practice really good social distancing," she said.
"If you have the mildest sniffle, do not go and visit anybody. If you're feeling slightly unwell or fatigued, don't risk it."
The Premier later added that "this isn't a license to go wild and have massive parties", saying people should exercise social responsibility in deciding whether or not to have a visit.
Ms Berejiklian said coronavirus testing numbers were better than the previous weekend, although she was "still keen to sustain" 8000 tests a day.
"Please don't be afraid to come forward on a weekend and get tested," she said.
Ms Berejiklian added that five new cases was "a good result, given the results we were experiencing a couple of weeks ago in March".