Masks on public transport among COVID-19 restrictions eased across greater Sydney

A raft of COVID-19 restrictions were eased across Greater Sydney overnight – including one that infuriated residents.

Standing up for a drink at the pub is back on and masks are off after NSW Health officials eased a raft of restrictions overnight that were introduced for Greater Sydney when a man from the eastern suburbs tested positive for COVID-19.

Earlier this month, a man aged in his 50s from Sydney’s eastern suburbs and his wife became the first locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in NSW in more than a month.

It prompted restrictions in Greater Sydney, including the mandatory wearing of masks on public transport and in supermarkets, which was lamented by Sydneysiders.

As well as Sydney, the restrictions took in the Blue Mountains, Illawarra and Central Coast.

Two cases of COVID-19 were diagnosed in Sydney earlier this month. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

NSW Health officials admit the source of infection for the man who tested positive is still unknown despite his genomic sequencing matching a US returned traveller who tested positive for COVID-19 while in hotel quarantine.

However, after 10 days of no locally acquired cases of COVID-19, the following restrictions were automatically repealed at 12.01am on Monday.

• No more than 20 people allowed to gather in private homes
• No singing or dancing allowed in indoor venues, including places of worship and entertainment venues (the only exception was weddings, where it was recommended no more than 20 be allowed on the dancefloor at a time)
• Mask wearing mandatory at all public indoor spaces, including public transport, supermarkets, hospitality venues and any indoor event
• Only two visitors allowed for aged care residents and masks had to be worn
• Drinking while standing up at indoor venues not allowed.

“As there has been no further transmission detected in relation to the two locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the temporary COVID-safe measures in place for the Greater Sydney area will not be extended beyond 12.01am on Monday, May 17,” NSW Health said in a statement on Sunday.

“This means limits will be removed on the number of guests allowed to visit private households.

“Drinking while standing at indoor venues, group singing indoors, and dancing at nightclubs will again be allowed.

Health officials urge Sydneysiders to remain vigilant with QR code check-ins, with fears an unidentified positive case may be in the community. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

“Masks will no longer be compulsory on public transport or for customer-facing staff in hospitality venues; however, NSW Health continues to strongly encourage their use on public transport and in other settings where physical distancing is not possible.”