Coronavirus restrictions introduced in the Greater Sydney area earlier this month following two cases of community transmission have been lifted as of today (Monday, 17th May).
Restrictions commenced on Thursday, 6th May after a husband and wife both tested positive to COVID-19, with the source of the transmission unknown. They included wearing masks in indoor venues and public transport, singing and dancing in venues such as nightclubs, limits of 20 visitors to a home, and needing to remain seated while drinking inside a bar.
Restrictions were then extended after NSW Health remained unable to find the origin of the two community-transmitted cases earlier this month. The source is still yet to be discovered, but as there has been no further recorded community transmission, those restrictions have been lifted.
Drinking while standing at indoor venues will be permitted, group singing indoors, dancing at nightclubs are all permitted once again, with no limit on the number of guests allowed to visit a residence. Masks will no longer be mandatory on public transport, though are strongly encouraged.
NSW Health have reminded Sydney residents not to become complacent, however. “As these two cases have shown, COVID-19 may re-emerge at any time, so it is important that we all continue to take practical measures to stay COVID-safe,” they commented on Sunday.
“This includes always using QR codes to check in to and out of venues, staying home and getting tested for COVID 19 if unwell, and practising good hand hygiene.”
