What happens now lockdown’s lifted

The Hilltops LGA is one area of regional NSW where stay-at-home orders have been rolled back, and are to be lifted at 12:01am on Saturday.

Given there have been no COVID-19 cases for at least 14 days, our shire is deemed low risk.

Masks remain mandatory indoors and inside retail and business premises (children aged under 12 don’t need to wear them) and schools will reopen for the last week before school holidays (with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place). Hospitality staff will be required to wear masks outdoors.

What happens now?

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to COVIDsafe distancing and patrons must stand while drinking permitted outside.
• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.
• Hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75% fixed seated capacity.
• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under), and up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.
• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
• Carpooling will be permitted.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said regional communities are doing an incredible job following health advice and getting vaccinated which has made the easing of lockdown in some areas possible.

“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis,” he said.

“My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly.”

• Topics:

• Covid-19
• Hospitality
• Beauty
• Retail