Update to COVID-19 Restrictions, 29th January 2021

It’s promising news for New South Wales as it has recorded a 12th consecutive day without a local coronavirus case, as testing results remained low across the state.

The Premier released a statement, following the advisement of Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, confirming that effective from today, Friday 29th January at 12.01am, restrictions have been eased across all of the Greater Sydney region.

The following measures will be effective from 12:01am Friday, 29 January for the Greater Sydney region (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains):

• Visitors to households will be increased to 30 guests – including children.

• Outdoor gatherings will be increased to 50 people in total.

• Weddings and funerals will be capped at 300 people (fully seated) subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule with no singing or dancing (except 20 nominated people in the wedding party can dance).

• All other venues including hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues (fully seated with no singing or dancing) will be subject to the 1 person per 4sqm rule.

• Smaller hospitality venues will be allowed at least 25 people.

• Singing indoors including choirs or places of worship will be limited to five people.

• Masks will be recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venues.

• Masks will remain compulsory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms.

• Aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearing

Whilst NSW and other states have made promising progress, which calls for the easing of restrictions – it is still important to be vigilant when it comes to hygiene and social distancing. The Health Ministers are still stressing the importance for people to come forward and get tested if they have any hint of symptoms.

No matter how mild, if you have any of the following symptoms you should get tested for Covid-19:

• Fever (37.5° or higher)

• Cough

• Sore or scratchy throat

• Shortness of breath

• Runny nose

• Loss of taste or smell

Read the full media release from the Premier of NSW here.