There have been nine new locally acquired COVID-19 cases in NSW following 40,000 tests on Chrristmas Day.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said eight of the cases were linked to the Northern Beaches and the ninth was possibly a false positive.
Ms Berejiklian thanked most people in NSW for being so diligent with COVID-19 testing and social distancing and encouraged people across the state to continue to get tested on Boxing Day if they have any symptoms.
Ms Berejiklian and health minister Brad Hazzard particularly wanted to thank the community on Sydney's Northern Beaches, for their efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19 during the Christmas period.
They said modest adjustments to restrictions allowed the community to enjoy Christmas in challenging circumstances, but it was important to remember that COVID-19 may still be circulating in the community.
Mr Hazzard said he was disappointed to see the images of people partying on the beach at Bronte as people on the Northern Beaches were trying so hard and doing the right thing to keep themselves and the rest of Sydney safe.
"It is absolutely appalling to see what was clearly a group of people in a large gathering of people who didn't give a damn about the rest of Sydney," he said.
"I hope that event does not become a super spreader event. But there is every chance it could be."
Mr Hazzard said such activities cannot be allowed to continue as there is still major risks for Sydney and NSW from COVID-19.
"My message to those people and anybody who knows those people is to tell them to just STOP IT!
"Cut it out or you may very well end up with the virus yourself or you may end up being part of a super spreader event.
"It is absolutely appalling."
Taking into account updated health advice on the risk to the community from chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant, the NSW Government announced the following conditions will be in place from midnight tonight until 11:59pm December 30:
For the Northern Beaches peninsula zone (North of Narrabeen Bridge, and east of the Baha'i Temple):
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to 'stay-at-home' restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to five people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
For the remainder (southern zone) of the Northern Beaches:
- Given the ongoing risk, this area will return to 'stay-at-home' restrictions, with no indoor gatherings allowed.
- Up to 10 people, including children, will be able to gather outdoors for exercise or recreational activity.
- People may not enter or leave this zone.
Residents of the Northern Beaches are able to leave for four permitted reasons:
- Shopping for food or other goods and services
- Travel for work or education purposes if unable to work from home
- Exercise
- Medical or caring reasons
A Northern Beaches resident now located elsewhere in NSW is exempt from these restrictions provided it has been at least 14 days since they have been in this local government area.
If it is less than 14 days, they need to follow the relevant restrictions for their area of residence, regardless of their current location, until the 14 days has elapsed.
For these people, outdoor gatherings continue to be restricted to two people.
For the Greater Sydney region, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains restrictions will remain unchanged in these regions.
Gatherings in the home are restricted to 10 people in total (including children).
People who work in the CBD are urged to work from home where practical.
Restrictions for Regional NSW remain unchanged.
Ms Berejiklian said decisions about New Year's Eve will be made in coming days.
"We are urging the community to continue to play their role in controlling the spread of COVID-19 by getting tested and self-isolating if even the mildest of symptoms develop, practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene, and by wearing a mask, particularly indoors," she said.
For more information visit: nsw.gov.au/covid-19
A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/latest-news-and-updates.
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Greg Ellis
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
Almost four decades in electronic, print and digital media. A writer, presenter, emcee, photographer and videographer with degrees in business management, marketing and human resources and tertiary qualifications in photography.
