Just in time for Christmas, the NSW state premier, Gladys Berejiklian has announced further changes to COVID-19 restrictions. These will come into play from Monday 7th December. Relaxing restrictions further will be a welcomed announcement for our community around Lake Macquarie. A Christmas we can enjoy with friends and family and even have a boogie on the dance floor! So, let’s unpack the new normal and start planning our festive fun.
Changes in your home
On the 1st of December, restrictions changed in our homes to allow up to 50 people. It’s all about being sensible. For example, it’s highly recommended that if don’t have an outside area, limit your number to 30 people. You can also have guests stay overnight.
Please note, breaching the rule and exceed 50 people, carries a hefty fine, which can be given to every person in attendance. The ‘gathering’ is subject to a breach of public health order, and attendees can be issued a fine of up to $11,000 or 6 months imprisonment.
Changes from 7th December
Venues including retail, hospitality, and places of worship can now have one person per 2sqm (with 25 people permitted before the rule applies) unless you are a gym or nightclub. The rules for these are one person per 4sqm with a maximum of 50 able to attend a gym class or enjoy the dancefloor at a nightclub.
Stadiums and theatres where you’re outside will be able to accommodate 100% of their seating capacity and one person per 2sqm where there is unstructured seating. If it’s indoors, they can accommodate 75% of their seating capacity.
Getting together with friends and family in a public outdoor space has changed. You can now have up to 100 people gathered together outside. If you’re at a fenced, ticketed and seated outdoor event this can hold up to 5000 people subject to the 2sqm rule. In the case of other organised outdoor events, for example, sporting or Christmas, you can have a maximum of 3000 people subject to the 2sqm rule.
Want to finally let your inner John Travolta or Olivia Newton-John free on the dance floor? You can now have up to 50 people indoors dancing. Great news for those getting married.
Special occasions
If you love to sing, you can now have up to 50 performers indoors or an unlimited number outdoors. If you’re singing, it’s still advised that you wear a face mask to protect yourself and your community.
With these changes, as long as you can adhere to the 2sqm rule maximum capacity caps are lifted for the following occasions:
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Bookings at hospitality venues
- Regional agricultural shows
- Corporate events
- Religious services
‘We’re grateful to the people in NSW for their patience and understanding over what has been an incredibly difficult year,’ Ms Berejiklian said. ‘The rolling back of restrictions across the state is only possible because of the excellent work of the community who have followed social distancing guidelines and continued to come forward for testing.’
Remain COVID safe
It’s important to continue to practice social distancing, wash your hands, wear a mask when appropriate, and stay at home if you’re feeling unwell. It’s also important that if you have symptoms you get COVID tested. This will ensure that we can continue to enjoy the loosening of restrictions across NSW.
