New COVID restrictions to impact Coast

A three-day re-tightening of COVID-19 health restrictions came into force on the Central Coast on May 6 following recent cases of community transmission and updated health advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant.

The new restrictions came into force at midday on May 6 (enforceable from 5pm) and will remain in place until 12.01am on Monday, May 10 in the Greater Sydney region, which includes the Central Coast.

During this period visitors to households will be limited to 20 guests – including children – and masks will be compulsory on public transport and in all public indoor venues, such as retail, theatres, hospitals, aged care facilities and for front-of-house hospitality staff (except in a hospitality venue when eating or drinking).

Drinking while standing up at indoor venues will not be allowed, nor will singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship.

Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs but will be allowed at weddings with a strong recommendation that no more than 20 people should be on the dance floor at any one time.

Visitors to aged care facilities will be limited to two people.

It is also strongly recommended the community avoids mingling in large groups during the specified period and is careful not to put the most vulnerable at risk.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the three-day restrictions would help reduce the risk of a super spreading event.

“These measures are proportionate to the risk and will help reduce further cases of community transmission,” Berejiklian said.

“To allow our health authorities to do their excellent work it is critical the community continues to keep their physical distance, get tested with even the mildest of symptoms and importantly continues to use the Service NSW app to check into venues.”

Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, urged anyone experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms, even if they are mild, to isolate immediately, get tested and continue to isolate until a negative result is received.

“It is also important to remember that even if you have had your first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine you must still come forward for testing if you have any symptoms.” he said.

Source:
Media release, May 6
NSW Health