New Year’s Eve During COVID-19: Restrictions on Gatherings and Movements

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has confirmed that New Year’s Eve fireworks will go ahead this year, but is discouraging attending them amidst concerns about the spread of COVID-19.

In fact, a New Year’s Eve pass is required to enter the ‘Green Zone’ near the harbour foreshore, and those without a pass are being directed to stay away.

Sydney-siders, along with other New South Wales residents, are being asked to remain at home and watch the televised celebrations with their immediate families.

Northern Beaches

In the northern zone of the Northern Beaches, ‘stay-at-home’ restrictions are in place with no indoor gatherings allowed.

Up to five people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.

People are prohibited from entering or leaving this zone, and those who breach the latest public health order risk $1,000 fines.

Southern zone of the Northern Beaches

For the southern zone of the Northern Beaches, ‘stay-at-home’ restrictions are also in place with no indoor gatherings allowed. Up to 10 people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.

People are not allowed to leave the Northern Beaches are encouraged to stay home except for:

• Shopping for food or other goods and services,
• Travel for work or education purposes if unable to work from home,
• Exercise, or
• Medical or caring reasons.

Greater Sydney

People from other areas of Sydney are being encouraged to stay away from the Northern Beaches.

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

Gatherings in the home are restricted to 10 people in total (including children).

These restrictions are in place until at least 30 December 2020.

Nine new COVID cases

NSW recorded nine new locally acquired cases on Boxing Day, from nearly 40,000 tests on Christmas Day, and an additional six cases in hotel quarantine.

Most States and Territories have closed their borders to New South Wales, so anyone intending to travel needs to check in with the jurisdiction they wish to visit.

Onwards and upwards into 2021!

Despite the situation we are all facing, we wish you a safe and happy New Year’s Eve and a bright and positive entry into 2021 – a year which everyone hopes will see the end of the pandemic and the negativity associated with it.