The NSW Government has eased COVID-19 restrictions as of 29 January in Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains). As EAs, these updated restrictions could mean the return for meetings and events. The updates are as follows:
- Visitors to households will be increased to 30 guests – including children.
- Outdoor gatherings will be increased to 50 people in total.
- Weddings and funerals will be capped at 300 people (fully seated) subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule with no singing or dancing (except 20 nominated people in the wedding party can dance).
- All other venues including hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues (fully seated with no singing or dancing) will be subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule.
- Smaller hospitality venues will be allowed at least 25 people.
- Singing indoors including choirs or places of worship will be limited to five people.
- Masks will be recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venues.
- Masks will remain compulsory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms.
- Aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearing
It is anticipated that all settings requiring the 4sqm rule will revert to the 1 person per 2sqm rule in two weeks’ time if current trends continue, subject to expert health advice.
“These changes will provide more certainty to plan events such as weddings and functions, and will give businesses more clarity around restrictions while still remaining COVID-Safe,” said Deputy Premier John Barilaro.
