Masks compulsory in Sydney as the state records new local cases.

NSW has tightened restrictions and brought in a new measure including Compulsary Masks as the state records seven new local cases. Masks will become mandatory in some indoor settings across Greater Sydney from midnight tonight (Saturday), Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced.

"We've been talking about this for months and months," Ms Berejiklian said.

"The reason it's happening now is we want to give confidence to business to continue their activity in NSW so long as you wear a mask in those indoor settings."

Ms Berejiklian said NSW had to "consider health and safety first and foremost, but we also need to think about well-being and jobs and the economy".

The mandate begins at midnight Saturday (2) but enforcement won't begin until Monday (4) . Masks will be compulsory on public transport, in shopping centres and other indoor venues like cinemas and hair salons with $200 fines for non-compliance in NSW beginning on Monday.

The NSW chapter of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has commended the enforcement of mask wearing in indoor spaces as the state grapples with a growing coronavirus outbreak.

Folowing is the changes made by NSW governmnet in relations to the new restrictions.

Given the risk of COVID-19 transmission on the Northern Beaches and across Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), the following adjustments are being made.

From midnight tonight, the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be subject to the same restrictions as Greater Sydney.

Restrictions for the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain the same with stay at home orders in place until 9 January 2021;

• No visitors to the home.
• Five northern zone residents can gather outdoors (not at homes) for exercise and recreation, from within the same zone. 
• Non-essential businesses remain closed.

Given the general risk in Greater Sydney, new measures are required to reduce the transmission potential of COVID-19 while maintaining economic activity.

The following measures for Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains) are effective from midnight tonight:

• Face masks will be mandatory in the following indoor settings:
• shopping (retail, supermarkets and shopping centres)
• public/shared transport, indoor entertainment (including cinemas and theatres)
• places of worship
• hair and beauty premises.
• Face masks will also be mandatory for all staff in hospitality venues and casinos and for patrons using gaming services.
• Compliance will start from Monday, 4 January 2021 with $200 on the spot fines for individuals for non-compliance. Children under 12 are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.
• Gym classes reduced to 30 people.
• Places of worship and religious services limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people per separate area.
• Weddings and funerals limited to 1 person per 4sqm up to a maximum of 100 people.
• Outdoor performances and protests reduced to 500 people.
• Controlled, outdoor gatherings (seated, ticketed, enclosed) reduced to 2,000 people.
• Night clubs not permitted.

People are still encouraged to limit non-essential gatherings and reduce their mobility where possible to further minimise the risk of transmission in the community. 

Whilst these measures do not apply to areas outside Greater Sydney (including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains), we urge all residents and visitors across the State to practise COVID safe behaviours and get tested even if symptoms are mild.

NSW governmnet thank the community for their patience and understanding.