Overview
While face masks were first mandated in Melbourne back in mid-July, the NSW Government has only ever 'strongly recommended' its citizens to cover up. From midnight tonight, Saturday, January 2, however, that's all changing.
In a bid to contain the current COVID-19 outbreak, which now encompasses clusters on the northern beaches, in Croydon and in western Sydney's Berala, the NSW Government is mandating the wearing of masks for some indoor settings across Greater Sydney.
Sydneysiders, including those who live in Wollongong, the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains, must don a mask when they are shopping (at supermarkets, shopping centres and other retail stores); on public and shared transport; at indoor entertainment, such as cinemas and theatres; at places of worship; at hair and beauty salons; and using gaming services.
They'll also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos. Children under 12 are exempt, but are encouraged to wear one where they can.
If you refuse to do so, you'll risk being slapped with a $200 on-the-spot fine. While the public health order commences today, police won't start issuing fines until Monday, January 4.
NSW recorded seven locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional 12 cases in...
Posted by NSW Health on Friday, January 1, 2021
Compulsory mask wearing is not the only new restriction announced today for Greater Sydney, either. Gym classes will be reduced to 30 people; places of worship, weddings and funerals will be limited to 100 people, with one person per four square metres; outdoor performances and protests capped at 500; seated, ticketed and enclosed outdoor gatherings reduced to 2000; and nightclubs will not be permitted.
These restrictions will come into effect at midnight tonight for all of Greater Sydney, including the southern half of the northern beaches, which has been under stay-at-home orders since Saturday, December 19. While the stay-at-home orders are ending tonight for the southern zone — south of Narrabeen Bridge and the Baha'i Temple — which will then have the same restrictions as the rest of Sydney, they will remain for the northern zone until Saturday, January 9.
To find out more about the status of COVID-19 in NSW, head to the NSW Health website.