With the goal of increasing vaccination rates and curbing the spread of the virus, New South Wales is continuing the lockdown that originally began June 26 until Saturday, August 28 at 12:01 am. The orders impact Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour more than rural New South Wales communities.
Following a new spike in COVID-19 cases, the premier strongly encouraged residents to get vaccinated. “If you are unvaccinated, please organise a jab as soon as you possibly can,” said NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, “especially if you live in an LGA of concern.”
The changes to lockdown measures mainly affect individuals — for example, there is a 10km restriction on shopping. The rules for businesses and events remain largely the same.
Restrictions for Greater Sydney
In Greater Sydney, restaurants, pubs and clubs must remain closed except for takeaway service.
Funerals are permitted with up to 100 guests. No one is permitted to leave their home or enter Greater Sydney to attend or host an event, like a wedding.
Food banks, homeless shelters and similar businesses that provide service to vulnerable people may remain open so long as they follow all public health orders.
Requirements in rural New South Wales
The capacity limit in rural NSW food businesses remains at one person per four square metres or 25 people — whichever is greater.
Restaurants, pubs and nightclubs can open for seated service. Alcohol may only be served to seated patrons, whether they’re indoors or outdoors.
Regulations for all of New South Wales
Residents must wear face masks everywhere except in their homes.
All food businesses must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place and keep it on-site to be presented to authorities upon their request. Businesses such as restaurants and retail stores must also use and display the Service NSW QR code.
The premier acknowledged that these lockdown measures will be difficult for businesses, and said the government will extend and expand its Jobsaver program, and increase the weekly payments to businesses experiencing a 30 percent downturn or more.
The Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) will continue to provide updates on COVID-19 restrictions that apply to food businesses. Contact us for more information.
