COVID-19 restrictions ease before Christmas

FURTHER easing of social gathering restrictions have commenced today, although they are still subject to social distancing requirements.

Up to 30 people can now sing together outside, religious gatherings have been extended to a 500 person capacity limit and up to 3,000 people can attend a concert however, the two square metre rule still applies for those seated in chairs and the four square metre rule for those seated on rugs on the ground or in groups.

“Unless some major unexpected event occurs, we will be announcing further easing of restrictions, especially in light of the festive season and especially given how well NSW has been doing with community transmission,” said Premier Berejiklian.

“Our announcement in relation to further restrictions is imminent, especially in relation to hospitality.”

QR check in codes are also mandatory from today, with the NSW Government encouraging businesses to use the Service NSW COVID Safe Check-in app.

“Today marks the end of the paper check in . . . we’re getting rid of the paper and moving to digital because it makes it far far easier for the great people at health during the contact tracing,” said Minister for Customer Service Victor Dominello.

“Businesses can have their own but we strongly recommend you use the service QR code, it’s fast, it’s free, it’s accurate and there privacy protection enshrined inside.”