NSW Premier Gladys Berjeklian announced at this morning's media briefing, February 5, 2021 that social distancing restrictions in NSW will be likely further eased from Friday, February 12 unless there are "unexpected outbreaks" of COVID-19.
This means that the 4 square metre rule for venues like restaurants, bars and places of worship, will be eased to the 2 square metre rule.
The Premier said rules around masks could be relaxed too, but with the exception of public transport where it would still remain mandatory.
Presently, it is mandatory for people in the Greater Sydney, which includes the Blue Mountains, Wollongong and the Central Coast, to wear face coverings on public transport and in places of worship, gaming rooms, and hairdressing and beauty salons. From the Premier's statement, the requirement would likely be eased to be mandatory only in public transport.
"I'm making these comments today to provide certainty to business to make sure that people are prepared and can take advantage of that situation," Ms Berejiklian said.
"Barring any unexpected shocks or unexpected outbreaks that may occur between now and then."
The good news is that NSW yesterday recorded a 17th consecutive day with no locally acquired COVID-19 infections. Almost 12,000 tests were completed in the 24 hours to 8pm yesterday.
Victoria also announced that there was zero community transmission case in the 24 hours, following a case of a quarantine hotel worker contracting the virus. Victoria Premier Dan Andrews thanked all the people who went forward and underwent testing.
The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, announced the decisions of the National Cabinet on two major items that had been debated. He announced that the National Cabinet had agreed that hotels remain the primary way of quarantining arrivals. Also, the states are to increase their caps of international arrivals.
