Mask mandate and density limits reintroduced in NSW amid surging COVID-19 cases
NSW residents are waking to the first day of a reintroduced indoor mask mandate and will soon face venue density limits as the state battles an almighty surge in coronavirus cases.
There were 5751 new COVID-19 cases in NSW on Thursday, up from 3763 the day before and 3057 the day before.
From midnight, mask-wearing has become mandatory in indoor public settings across the state, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said.
Density limits in hospitality venues will be reintroduced from December 27, with one person per two square metres allowed in indoor hospitality sites.
Both the mask mandate and density limits will be in place until at least January 27.
QR code check-ins will be brought back in retail settings and lower risk settings in a “limited way”.
Mr Perrottet also encouraged people to work from home over the holiday period.
“We do want to limit mobility, just as we get through this period of time and particularly in relation to ensuring that our health workers are able to be on the job and provide that care and support for those who are unwell,” he said.
“In addition to that, we’re encouraging people not to mingle and when you’re out and out at a restaurant or cafe and a pub or a club.
“Please, where possible, don’t mingle.”
The state government is also set to provide free rapid antigen testing for residents from next year.
“We need to move away from PCR testing and make sure we drive personal responsibility,” Mr Perrottet said.
Mr Perrottet urged people who have received a COVID-19 case alert on the Service NSW app to not rush and get tested to alleviate pressure on the testing system.
“If you aren’t feeling unwell simply because you receive a notification through the QR code system, the position that we have here in New South Wales is monitor for symptoms,” he said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard also urged people not to get PCR test unless they were unwell.
“Please don’t go out and just a PCR test for the sake of it, because next time when you do need a PCR test, seriously, you may not be able to get it because too many people go out and use our pathology system to that extent,” Mr Hazzard said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant also echoed the premier and health minister’s advice, urging people to only get tested if they are symptomatic.
“My messages are, get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Only get tested if you have symptoms or health directs you to all you know you had contact with someone that has COVID-19 positive,” she said.
Dr Chant urged people to limit social activities that may increase chances of transmission and to move socialising outdoors.
“We are introducing those density restrictions and hospitality settings and discouraging activities we know are associated with increased transmission, singing, dancing,” she said.
“Please take those activities outdoors, with lots of social distancing.”
There were long queues at NSW COVID-19 testing clinics again on Thursday after three days of a surge in numbers.
People have been waiting in lines for up to five hours and have experienced long waits for results. Some have been turned away.
Another more controversial plan being considered is that unvaccinated people, who are treated in hospital, could be forced to foot their medical bills.
COVID-19 cases have soared in New South Wales, with 5715 recorded in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
One person died with the virus.
There are 347 people in hospital.
