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Face masks become mandatory in Wollongong

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FACE masks will be mandatory in certain indoor settings in Wollongong from Sunday, with $200 on the spot fines coming into force for people not complying with the new guideline from Monday.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, the NSW Government has put in place new measures to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.

The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight;

  • Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings: shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres), public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres), places of worship, hair and beauty premises. Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services. Compliance will start from Monday, January 4, 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
  • Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
  • Places of worship and religious services limited to one person per four-square-metres up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
  • Weddings and funerals limited to one person per four-square-metres up to a maximum of 100 people.
  • Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
  • Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
  • Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community. 

Meanwhile a new Covid testing clinic has been established at Ocean Park, Woonona.

State MP for Keira, Ryan Park said after representation from his office to Illawarra Health District and Woonona Shamrocks Rugby, Laverty Pathology has set-up the testing station.

The pop-up station is located at Shamrock Rugby Club, Ocean Park, off Campbell Street, Woonona. It is open daily from Sunday, January 3, from 8am to 4pm.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urging residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.

“We thank the community for their patience and understanding,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Our priority is always to protect the health and safety of the community.”

For the latest restrictions visit the NSW Government website.


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Would you like to make a small donation towards the publishing of The Bulli & Clifton Times and/or the Looking Back websites? If you would like to support my work, you can leave a small donation here with your credit card. Your generous patronage of my work and research, however small it appears to you, will greatly help me with my continuing costs.


About Mick Roberts

A journalist, writer and historian, Mick Roberts specialises in Australian cultural history, particularly associated with the Australian hotel and liquor industry. Mick has had an interest in revealing the colourful story of Australian pubs and associated industries for over 30 years. He is working on a comprehensive history of the hotel and liquor industry in the Illawarra region of NSW. Besides writing a number of history books, Mick managed several community newspapers. He has been editor of the Wollongong Northern News, The Bulli Times, The Northern Times, The Northern Leader and The Local - all located in the Wollongong region. As a journalist he has worked for Rural Press, Cumberland (News Limited), the Sydney city newspaper, City News, and Torch Publications based in Canterbury Bankstown, NSW.

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