We thank the community, particularly on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, for their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 this Christmas period.
Modest adjustments to restrictions allowed the community to enjoy Christmas in challenging circumstances, but it is important to remember that COVID-19 may still be circulating in the community.
Taking into account updated health advice on the risk to the community from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, the following conditions will be in place from midnight tonight until 11:59pm December 30:
For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple):
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to ‘stay-at-home’ restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to five people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to ‘stay-at-home’ restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to 10 people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
Residents of the Northern Beaches are able to leave for four permitted reasons:
- Shopping for food or other goods and services
- Travel for work or education purposes if unable to work from home
- Exercise
- Medical or caring reasons
A Northern Beaches resident now located elsewhere in NSW is exempt from these restrictions provided it has been at least 14 days since they have been in this local government area. If it is less than 14 days, they need to follow the relevant restrictions for their area of residence, regardless of their current location, until the 14 days has elapsed. For these people, outdoor gatherings continue to be restricted to two people.
For the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains:
- Restrictions will remain unchanged in these regions.
- Gatherings in the home are restricted to 10 people in total (including children).
- People who work in the CBD are urged to work from home where practical.
Restrictions for Regional NSW remain unchanged.
Decisions on New Year’s Eve will be made in coming days.
We are urging the community to continue to play their role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 by getting tested and self-isolating if even the mildest of symptoms develop, practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors.
For more information please visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19