Shut the front door, NSW is celebrating 40 days COVID-free and residents can celebrate with house parties, complete with singing and dancing!
Zero new local COVID-19 cases were recorded in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, with four cases uncovered in hotel quarantine.
It marks the 40th consecutive day without a local case in NSW.
On top of that, VIC is celebrating with social gathering caps lifted and face mask requirements eased.
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From today, 50 people are allowed to gather inside NSW homes – up from 30 – and 50 people can participate in gym classes.
Weddings are still limited to 300 guests but up to 30 people — not just those in the bridal party — will be able to hit the dance floor at one time.
The cap on singers in choirs and congregations has also increased to 30 people and cinemas can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
“While household gathering restrictions have been eased, people are urged to remember COVID-19 can be transmitted more easily in crowded indoor settings,” NSW Health’s Dr Christine Selvey said in a statement on Friday.
“If holding gatherings at home, please use outdoor areas and well-ventilated spaces where available, and avoid overcrowding.”
The vaccine rollout
Meanwhile, more than 5500 people received the COVID-19 jab in NSW in the first three days of the vaccine rollout.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday she was pleased by the rollout but called on the federal government to share more details about the national program.
“I would love information on exactly what the program is moving forward. If we can support things and accelerate that program, NSW is always willing to do that,” she said.
VIC restrictions eased too
Victoria’s caps on social gatherings have been lifted and mask rules will be relaxed in some settings, as the state’s Holiday Inn outbreak is declared under control.
Premier Daniel Andrews has confirmed that from 11.59pm on Friday, up to 30 visitors will be allowed in households per day, while outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people will be permitted in public places.
Masks will only need to be worn on public transport, in ride-share vehicles, at indoor shopping centres and other crowded places and in aged care facilities.
For the first time, 75 per cent of both public and private sector workers will be allowed to return to the office from Monday.
Crowds will also return to the MCG and Marvel Stadium from round one of the AFL at 50 per cent capacity.
Celebrations!
Presuming NSW has no new virus outbreaks, St Patrick’s Day festivities on March 17 will resemble pre-COVID times, with revellers allowed to stand and drink at the bar.
This step in the recovery of the event, tourism, retail and hospitality sectors is a certainly one to be celebrated.
It’s onwards and upwards from here.
Source: AAP