There has been much confusion surrounding the travel rules coming into force on Monday, but the final line is: no one will be allowed to travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW for either holidays or day trips.
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Greater Sydney will include both Wollongong and Shellharbour, as well as metropolitan Sydney, the Blue Mountains and the Central Coast.
The Kiama local government area will remain classed as regional.
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On Friday, Deputy Premier Paul Toole sent out a release stating that travel for recreation between Greater Sydney and regional areas would not be allowed until the state reached the 80 per cent fully vaccinated mark.
The public health order has since been updated to reflect this, stating a person cannot enter or leave Greater Sydney without a 'reasonable excuse'.
A reasonable excuse can include attending a funeral, or obtaining goods and services not reasonably available in Greater Sydney (for residents in Greater Sydney), or in regional NSW (for regional residents).
As has been the case during lockdown, there will also be exceptions for work, medical, caregiving and compassionate reasons.
From Monday, Greater Sydney residents will be allowed to travel within Greater Sydney, while regional residents can move around regional NSW.
This will apply to people who are fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption (excluding children); those who have not had two doses will have to stay within their local government area.
"We know people are busting to get out and explore the best of the bush - and we look forward to welcoming fully vaccinated travelers, but this is not something we're going to rush," Mr Toole said.
"It's important we continue to push up vaccination rates before that happens and ensure we keep regional communities safe."
But until Friday, the travel rules were not completely clear.
Last week former Deputy Premier John Barilaro's office informed the Mercury that Greater Sydney residents were not allowed into the regions, but regional residents could visit Greater Sydney.
The public health order released last Sunday said 'holidays' would not be permitted between the two areas, and a NSW Health spokesperson confirmed to the Mercury earlier this week that meant no travel would be allowed.
However, following changes to the roadmap announced on Thursday, it was reported that Mr Toole's office had advised day trips would be permitted.
This was something fellow parliamentarians including Illawarra MPs Gareth Ward and Anna Watson said they had also been told, and they published this information on social media.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
