Covid could creep closer with purple bubble

LAST night the government introduced legislation requiring essential workers from Sydney to work in the regions, if they have had a covid test in the last seven days, however there are parts of the Hunter such as Newcastle, Broke and Bulga where workers don’t have to be tested.

The government have introduced a map with a 50 kilometre area coloured in purple, showing where Sydney workers can travel without a test before travelling.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said it creates confusion and urges all residents of the Upper Hunter to keep doing the right thing to protect themselves and the community.

“Well I looked at the map and half of my property is in the purple zone and the other half isn’t,” said Sue Moore.

“Singleton is clearly out, but then Broke, Bulga and Milbrodale areas are in and that’s a major concern for our vineyards,” she said.

“What’s essential?” questioned Mayor Moore.

“I mean if someone says they need to travel here to buy a carton of wine for work is that essential?

“What one person determines is essential, might not be for someone else, it’s created an even bigger minefield.

“Brad Hazzard (Minister for Health) is saying what essential workers are can be determined by employees and employers, it’s quite ridiculous,” Sue Moore said.

The government map shows where workers can travel without a test.

Take a look at the purple zone: Map for Greater Sydney workers.

At a media conference yesterday Dr Kerry Chant, chief medical officer, said workers in the regions should still behave as if they were in Sydney under restrictions, behave like they are living at home and only go out for groceries and essential items and not go to “pubs and clubs”.

Mayor Moore said it’s easier said than done.

“If someone travels to Broke for work, they aren’t going to bring packed food and they’ll have to go to the same store as everyone else for their lunch,” said Sue Moore.

Mayor Moore said most people in the community are doing the right thing and said it’s more important than ever to be safe.

“Make sure you are using hand-sanitiser, make sure people have their masks on before coming in,” she said.

“I know people are doing the right thing and we just have to keep stepping through it and hope we don’t have outbreaks in the regions,” Sue Moore said.

The new legislation also permits workers to enter private residences outside the Greater Sydney area, without a covid test, but not if their worksite is not a private residence.

Workers travelling outside the 50km zone of Greater Sydney do have to have a covid test within seven days before travelling outside of the zone and must be able to produce evidence.

Read the new legislation: Temporary movement and gathering restrictions.