PEOPLE will soon be able to visit their friends in pairs after the NSW government announced they would relax laws around social distancing.
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The new rule comes into force on Friday, May 1, with a maximum of two people allowed to visit a friend's household for social support, as well as any children from the same household.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect the world, health authorities are hoping social interaction will ease mental health concerns.
Yet, Riverina Police District Commander Bob Noble urged the community to be responsible with their new glimpse at freedom.
"The Premier has given us an inch, so please, don't take a mile," he said.
"Relaxing social distancing regulations is a positive thing for many of us, and hopefully in time if we want it to ease even further, we must be responsible."
The visitation guidelines do come with their own rules, though.
"The two people must be from the same household, so a typical application would be a couple, maybe with their children, visiting a friend," Superintendent Noble said.
"The purpose of the visit must not be just to have a big slap up barbie or a party, it's to maintain emotional, psychological and social support."
Superintendent Noble described the new rules as a "generous relaxation", with no travel restrictions in place.
"There are no kilometre restrictions on the travel but bear in mind, some of the state borders are closed and we don't want to push the boundaries and end up going backwards," he said.
The $1000 fines and warnings are still enforceable for breaking new social distancing rules, but Superintendent Noble said to hold each other accountable.
"Maintain a bit of natural surveillance on each other," he said.
"I'm not saying to dob people in necessarily, but let's have conversations among our social circles about what is appropriate."
In other news:
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Chief Executive Jill Ludford said the new visitation allowances were reflective of the district's coronavirus figures.
"There are still 45 cases confirmed across the Murrumbidgee region, with 39 recoveries and no hospitalisations," she said.
With more social interaction, however, Ms Ludford said testing was even more paramount.
"While seeing the relaxing of social distancing, we need to be test, test, testing to monitor any community transmissions that may result," she said.
Mobile testing clinics will begin operating on May 4, tending to communities in particular need such as those without their own hospital or GP testing facilities, as well as vulnerable populations.
Walk-ins will be taken, as well as more drive through testing.
"Hospitals are ready to cope with any additional rise that we may see during this time," Ms Ludford said.
"All the work we have done during this pandemic with new cases has helped us to continue to be prepared for any hot spot outbreaks we may be faced with."