Monday, 15 June 2020
LIFE as we knew it pre-COVID-19 is another step closer with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today welcoming the announcement further restrictions around gatherings will be eased from 1 July, with strict social distancing rules.
Mr Marshall said step by tentative step, the region’s economy and people were resuming their lives.
“There have been no new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Northern Tablelands for more than a month now,” Mr Marshall said.
“This is not an outcome which has been achieved easily or without sacrifice and I thank everyone who has given up work, travel or time with family and friends to ensure this deadly virus remains contained.
“The good news is from Wednesday, 1 July, the number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This change will include function centres, with all patrons at the venue needing to be seated.
“On compassionate grounds one of the most difficult measures imposed during the pandemic, restrictions on attendees at funerals, will immediately be eased to allow the four square metre rule to apply.
“Finally, cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. This means showgrounds and community halls will once open their doors and host events.
“The State Government is keen to open the economy in a COVID-safe way, with consideration being given to smaller venues, particularly in country NSW, where the 4m rule is not practical for small businesses.”
Mr Marshall said the government was helping business and industry open safely through a variety of simple and easy to use tools through Service NSW.
“The recently launched COVID Safe Check is simple to use and helps businesses continue to build their hygiene and compliance plans by checking and testing their safety plans,” he said.
“By following this process operators can register as a COVID Safe business, which allows them to promote their status through posters and on social media.
“Patrons can also provide feedback online on how well registered businesses are doing in enforcing social distancing and hygiene measures.
“I commend those businesses which have already registered as COVID Safe and encourage those who haven’t to jump online and go through the process.”
From July 1, the new rules keeping the state COVID-Safe mean:
• The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metre’ rule, with no upper limit. This includes function centres. All activity must be seated only.
• Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 percent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.
• On compassionate grounds, restrictions on funerals will immediately be eased to allow the four square metre rule to apply.
• All other restrictions including 20 guests inside the home and 20 for outside gatherings remain the same.
Steps to becoming a COVID Safe business can be found at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/covid-safe-businesses