ALL of regional NSW will be put into lockdown from 5pm today amid concerns the COVID-19 cluster in western NSW is getting out of control.
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To minimise movement and protect our communities from the evolving COVID situation in Sydney, stay-at-home orders will be introduced for all of regional NSW.
It is understood NSW Health considered restricting the lockdown to western NSW local government areas before deciding to extend it across the State.
"To minimise movement and protect regional communities ALL of Regional NSW will go into a lockdown from 5pm tonight," deputy Premier John Barilaro tweeted.
The reasons you may leave your home include:
- Shopping for food or other essential goods and services.
- Medical care or compassionate needs (people can leave home to have a COVID-19 vaccination unless you have been identified as a close contact).
- Exercise outdoors in groups of two or fewer (unless members of the same household).
- Work, where you cannot work from home.
Schooling will be done from home in most cases.
Masks must be worn indoors (not including the home) and in outdoor settings where you cannot socially distance from others.
For the full list of restrictions, stay updated on the NSW Health website.
Supermarkets will stay open; don't panic says Oxley MP
Oxley MP Melinda Pavey shared the news on her social media page this afternoon to her Mid North Coast constituents.
"This afternoon the Premier and Deputy Premier made the difficult decision to lockdown all the regions in NSW," Ms Pavey said.
"I understand that many people will be disappointed in the disruption to their lives.
"Please can I assure you this decision has not been taken lightly and is intended to prevent transmission of COVID-19 into our region and across NSW.
"Please remember, supermarkets will remain open.
"People will be able to get groceries as per usual throughout the week. There is absolutely no need to panic buy, stock-up or rush to the stores.
"You will also be able to purchase takeaway food from cafes and restaurants.
"Parents will be asked to keep children and students at home during the week, however schools will be open as per usual for those parents who work in essential services."
Ms Pavey reconfirmed there are NO COVID-19 CASES on the Mid North Coast and the latest sewage surveillance testing is NEGATIVE at all local sites.
"I continue to encourage anyone who has even the mildest of symptoms to get tested and isolate until they receive their result," Ms Pavey said.
"Please use only trusted and credible sources of information in relation to confirmed COVID-19 cases and potential exposure sites.
"Please continue to follow all the rules that are designed to keep yourself, your family and your communities safe."
Increased fines for Public Health Order breaches
Under the changes, there will be increased fines for Public Health Order breaches, a permit system to enter regional NSW and tightened rules for people in LGAs of concern to help reduce the spread of the Delta variant.
Increased fines for Public Health Order breaches (from 12.01am, Monday):
- $5000 on the spot fine for breaching self-isolation rules;
- $5000 on the spot fine for lying on a permit (already a criminal offence);
- $5000 on the spot fine for lying to a contact tracer (already a criminal offence);
- $3000 on the spot fine for breaching the two person outdoor exercise/recreation rule; and
- $3000 on the spot fine for breaching rules around entry into regional NSW for authorised work, inspecting real estate and travelling to your second home.
Permit system to enter regional NSW (from 12.01am, Saturday, August 21):
- Any person who wishes to travel to regional NSW for one of the following reasons must have a permit which will be made available on Service NSW:
- authorised workers from LGAs of concern
- inspecting real estate. Any person inspecting real estate in the regions must now genuinely need a home to live in (no investment properties); and
- travelling to your second home. This is now only allowed if you are using the home for work accommodation or if the home requires urgent maintenance and repairs (if so, only one person may travel there).'
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