COVID restrictions across regional NSW will continue in line with an extended lockdown in Greater Sydney.
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The state recorded 177 local cases of the virus overnight, with the ongoing lockdown extended by four weeks, scheduled to end on August 28.
Rules around wearing face masks, QR code sign-in's and limited gatherings will therefore continue in regional and rural NSW.
"The regions will continue to have the existing restrictions without having to have anything further imposed on them at this stage," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
"It's obviously an ongoing challenge to keep it that way, and I want to thank everyone in our regional communities for that."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Under the Public Health Order, face masks must be worn by anyone over 12 years of age in all indoor, non-residential areas, including public transport.
The following restrictions also remain in place across the state:
- People must sign-in with QR codes when entering specified types of premises
- One person per four square metres for indoor and outdoor settings
- No more than 5 guests, including children, visiting households
- No drinking while standing at indoor venues
- No singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship
- No dancing at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs. At weddings, only the wedding party of no more than 20 people can dance
- Dance and gym classes limited to 20 people per class, and masks must be worn
- Events held in entertainment facilities and major recreation facilities are limited to the 1 person per 4 square metre rule, or 50 per cent seated capacity
The state government has also announced it will be redirecting doses of the Pfizer vaccine from regional NSW to eight LGAs in Sydney as part of a vaccination program for Year 12 students.
"We don't want students doing face-to-face learning getting the virus and then taking it home to their families," the Premier said.
When asked about the decision, she said, "In a pandemic you have to make difficult decisions".
"I don't think anyone would begrudge us doing everything we can to get Year 12 students safely back to schools," the Premier added.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro backed the decision, arguing that vaccination in Greater Sydney is important in preventing a breach of the virus into the regions.
"That's why this morning's decision ... is something that is supported and something that has merit," he said.
"To the people of regional and rural NSW, the redirection of the Pfizer vaccine is important to make sure we give our Year 12 students in those eight LGAs every opportunity, as much as the opportunity that kids in regional and rural NSW have at the moment - which is face to face education - the opportunity to face their exams in the same levels as in the regions."
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Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
