Overview
When COVID-19 case numbers started rising in New South Wales before Christmas, beginning with the northern beaches cluster, the NSW Government asked residents of Greater Sydney to wear face masks indoors. Then, when January hit, masks became mandatory in some settings. Now, the first month of 2021 almost over, and the area's caseload has been waning. So, with NSW marking ten days without community cases — as at today, Wednesday, January 27 — Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that mask rules will be easing.
At a press conference to announce the easing of gathering and venue restrictions from 12.01am on Friday, January 29, Premier Berejiklian said the list of situations where masks are compulsory is rolling back at the same time as well. Once the end of the week arrives, they'll only be mandatory on public transport, in health settings, in gaming rooms, for front-of-house hospitality workers, for folks going to a place of worship, and for anyone attending a beauty or hairdressing salon.
Face masks will no longer be compulsory for retail workers, however, or for anyone going shopping — including at supermarkets. That's a big change, but they remain recommended in those settings if you're unable to socially distance.
Of course, wearing masks if you can't socially distance anywhere remains the overall advice, too.
If you don't have a mask by now, Victoria's Department of Health has put together a handy step-by-step guide for how you can make your own. We've also put together a rundown of local companies making and selling them.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.