NSW coronavirus restrictions for the Christmas 2020 period

New South Wales recorded its second day of new infections in the single digits, with eight locally-transmitted cases recorded. Seven of the new cases have been linked to the Northern Beaches. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced “modest changes” to Sydney’s  coronavirus restrictions over the Christmas period.

The Premier said the risk was too high to make greater changes.

Based on the current health situation on the Northern Beaches and taking into account updated health advice from Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, the Northern Beaches have been separated into two zones, and restrictions have been modestly modified for the Christmas period.

From 24 December, the lockdown of Sydney's Northern Beaches will be split into two regions, with residents north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Bahai Temple on Mona Vale Road subject to harsher conditions. 

Those in the northern region of the Northern Beaches will be permitted to host five guests from inside the lockdown area on the 24, 25, and 26 December, while households south of the bridge can have 10 people to their home from across Sydney. 

Residents of Greater Sydney and the Central Coast will also be able to host 10 people at their home plus any number of children under 12 for Christmas celebrations, a slight adjustment to previous conditions which included children in the 10-person limit.

Folowing is the detail information in relation to restrictions on December 24, 25 and 26.

For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha’i Temple):

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 5 visitors (total, including children) will be allowed in homes as long as they reside in the peninsula zone.
• People may not enter or leave this zone, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:

• There is a new reason for leaving home: to visit the home of others who live within this zone.
• Up to 10 visitors (plus primary school children and younger) will be allowed in homes. This may include people from outside this zone, not including the Northern Beaches peninsula zone.
• People who reside outside the northern beaches are allowed to visit others in this zone.
• Residents of this zone may not leave, unless for the four approved reasons already in place.
• We will reassess restrictions in this zone following Boxing Day.

For the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains:

• Current restrictions that were due to expire at midnight tonight will remain in place.
• However, primary school-aged children and younger will be allowed on top of the current 10 visitors cap for homes.
• On December 27, the region will revert to existing restrictions.

Restrictions for Regional NSW remain unchanged.

In addition, as of 1 January 2021, hospitality venues and hairdressers will be required to use the NSW Government QR code system.

The Premier thanked all those who are in self-isolation over the Christmas period.

“What you are doing is not just protecting you and your loved ones but everyone in the state of New South Wales”

“It is important to remember that COVID-19 is still circulating in the community, especially when you gather with family and friends over the Christmas period”

“We are urging the community to continue to play their role in controlling the spread, by getting tested if symptoms develop, practising physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors”

Decisions on New Year’s Eve and upcoming sporting events will be made after this Christmas period.