Sydney (Tribune International, NSW Premier Office Release, 24 Feb 2021): Restrictions will be eased from 12.01am Friday, 26 February across Greater Sydney and NSW:
- 50 visitors will now be allowed in the home;
- 30 people allowed to dance at weddings, with rotation on and off the dance floor;
- Increased class limits for gyms to 50 people (currently 30) subject to the 4sqm rule;
- Number of performers singing indoors increased to 30 (currently 5) subject to physical distancing requirements;
- Singing by congregants allowed in places of worship if masks are worn and subject to one person per 4sqm (currently no congregant singing allowed, with one per 2sqm permitted in places of worship);
- Increase capacity for cinemas to 100 per cent; and
- If current trends continue, drinking while standing up at indoor venues will be allowed in three weeks’ time (from Wednesday, 17 March).
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions was due to the support of the NSW community.
“With the rollout of the vaccine now underway, and no new locally acquired cases in NSW, we are able to make further changes towards a new ‘COVID normal’,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“I thank the community for following the health advice to keep the virus at bay. However, we cannot become complacent.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said today’s announcement was another step forward for NSW.
“Each time we are able to further ease restrictions it’s another shot of confidence for the NSW economy,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said NSW has come a long way since the virus arrived here and we should be proud of the position we are in.
“This week NSW started rolling out the vaccine across the state and now we are further easing restrictions, which is a fantastic achievement,” Mr Hazzard said.
Dr Chant said while household gathering restrictions have been eased, people are urged to remember COVID-19 can be transmitted more easily in crowded indoor settings.
“Don’t attend these types of events if you have COVID-19 symptoms – instead get tested immediately and self-isolate. If holding these gatherings, please use outdoor settings and well ventilated spaces where available and avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of COVID transmission,” Dr Chant said.
For the latest information and COVID-19 testing sites please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
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