NSW to begin easing lockdown restrictions from Friday

NSW to begin easing lockdown restrictions from Friday

New South Wales will only start relaxing lockdown restrictions from Friday, but does not plan to implement all "step one" measures agreed to by National Cabinet.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says the easing of restrictions “will only be permanent if all of us take on responsibility to respect the new set of rules we’ve put in place”.

"My firm position during the crisis has been to follow the health advice and do what's best for New South Wales," Ms Berejiklian said.

One of the most anticipated restrictions to ease is allowing more people inside homes. From Friday Five people will be allowed to visit friends and family. The premier said that combination "is up to you"", but it includes children.

"A total of five people irrespective of the ages and stages of those people is there in place,"  premier said.

However Premire says restrictions on regional travel will not be lifted yet as outlined in 3 stage plan announce by the Federal Governmnet. Ms Berejiklian said it was too soon to let people take regional holidays.

She also, in contradiction to what the prime minister Scott Morrison said on Friday, flags that if large outbreaks occur some of the restrictions may need to be reintroduced.

What is Allowed in NSW from Friday

  • Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.
  • Visits to a household of up to 5 people.
  • Cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time.
  • Weddings will be allowed to have up to 10 guests.
  • Funerals can accommodate up to 20 mourners indoors and 30 outdoors.
  • Religious gatherings and places of worship will be allowed up to 10 people.
  • Outdoor gyms and playgrounds will open and outdoor pools with restrictions.

Ms Berejiklian said that schools are safe and children can go to school. However parents will not be penalised for keeping their children home from school

“It's never been compulsory to force parents to do one thing or another, we've been very clear about that for a while,” she said.

“But our strong recommendation is face to face teaching needs to start.”

The state's Chief Medical Officer, Kerry Chant, has also backed the move to relax restrictions.

"The chief health officers of the Commonwealth and states supported by experts have prepared advice on the way forward," Dr Chant said.

"As we take this next step we need to continue to work together — governments, community, business and NGOs — with high rates of testing, social distancing and adherence to other public health measures like handwashing and staying at home if you show even slight symptoms."

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian warned that easing restrictions on Friday does not mean the virus has become less deadly.

“The biggest threat to the New South Wales community is complacency. The virus is as deadly, it is as contagious, it is as virulent as it’s always been. The only difference between May and March is the fact that we have far less cases in May. We need to keep it that way. That is the only difference. But unfortunately the virus is very contagious. We’re heading into colder months. That is why it is so important for all of us not to be complacent” Ms Berejiklian said. 

She points to the examples of South Korea and Singapore, which have had to re-introduce lockdown measures after “second wave” outbreaks.

Until next Friday,  existing restrictions remain in place in NSW.  Social distancing measures including maintaining a 1.5 metre distance between people and regular hand washing will not change for the forseeable future.