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The easing of Coronavirus restrictions in the Illawarra on Friday will allow more businesses to open up, more people to stay in work and more personal freedoms.
After assessing National Cabinet’s new framework, the NSW Government will ease restrictions from 15 May. Restrictions around regional holidays and other activities will remain in place. The restrictions eased include:
- outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
- cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time
- up to 5 visitors to a household at any one time
- weddings up to 10 guests
- indoor funerals up to 20 mourners, outdoor funerals up to 30
- religious gatherings/places of worship up to 10 worshippers
- use of outdoor equipment with caution
- outdoor pools open with restrictions.
The NSW Government is encouraging everyone to get tested (even if you only have mild symptoms), stick to the rules about physical distancing and practise good handwashing hygiene. The Government will closely monitor COVID-19 rates, especially community transmissions, and use this to guide the further easing of restrictions.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said without a vaccine vigilance is needed, especially when restrictions lift.
“There will inevitably be more cases, so social distancing will become even more crucial,” Mr Hazzard said.
The NSW Government will consider steps two and three of the Australian Government’s Roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia in due course.
Read more about the public health order rules.
Meanwhile NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has echoed community praise ahead of the upcoming easing of restrictions and urged the NSW community to keep it up.
As NSW citizens, residents and businesses prepare for easing of restrictions under the Public Health Act this Friday, Commissioner Fuller is reminding everyone that their actions and behaviour may impact the timings for the next stages.
“When Premier Berejiklian outlined the upcoming changes to COVID-19 restrictions in NSW, she included a very important message – our way forward depends on you,” the Commissioner said.
“The NSW Police Force was given special powers for the pandemic in the interest of public health and safety – powers that I delegated carefully and am overseeing personally.
“I’ve been overwhelmingly pleased with community compliance. With 187 charges laid and 1212 PINs issued out of eight million residents, I feel that the community understands the risks of this virus and the role we all must play in protecting each other.”
The average number of PINs issued per day throughout the month of April was 39, with a peak over the Easter long weekend. So far in May, the average number of PINs issued is nine.
In the last three days, police have issued a total of 14 PINs.
“Based on the 17,000 calls we have had to Crime Stoppers since 17 March, it is also clear that people want everyone to do their bit to stop the spread and soon see some form of normalcy return to life.
“Health experts have said that without a vaccine life can’t go back to normal, but if we continue to show high levels of adherence to the Ministerial Directions, we can continue to edge closer to normal life – and hopefully, sooner,” the Commissioner said.
Anyone who has information regarding individuals or businesses in contravention of a COVID-19-related ministerial direction is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or or visit the Crime Stoppers website . Information is treated in strict confidence.
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