Advertisement

Snap three-day restrictions for Sydney

New restrictions will be imposed on Greater Sydney from Thursday after another person tested positive for coronavirus in Sydney.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the wife of a man in his 50s who tested positive on Wednesday also returned a positive result.

In an effort to halt the spread of coronavirus, Ms Berejiklian has announced a number of new restrictions for Greater Sydney, including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains, in effect from 5pm today.

While acknowledging it was Mother's Day on Sunday, the premier said for the next three days people could only welcome a maximum of 20 people into their home.

A general view is seen of Pitt Street Mall in Sydney.
A number of restrictions have been imposed on Greater Sydney. Source: Getty

"We know that transmission in the family home is a high risk," she said.

"I appreciate that it's Mother's Day but we also appreciate that 20 people within the home is manageable for people to celebrate that important day."

Ms Berejiklian added no singing or dancing would be allowed in indoor venues from 5pm today, including places of worship and entertainment venues.

Weddings will be an exception, however health authorities recommend only 20 people on the dance floor at any time.

Masks required in Greater Sydney for next three days

People in Greater Sydney will also be required to wear masks at indoor venues for the next three days, including in supermarkets and on public transport.

Hospitality workers will also have to wear masks, however patrons eating and drinking will be exempt.

"We want to make sure that people are just sensible," Ms Berejiklian said.

"Make sure you avoid large events if you're vulnerable, and make sure you exhibit good hand hygiene and most importantly, make sure if you have the mildest of symptoms you come forward and get tested."

'We're not shutting down the city'

In response to questions about why the state had such a harsh reaction to two cases, Ms Berejiklian said it was "very proportionate".

"Unlike other premiers, we're not shutting down the city. We're not changing the two square metre rule – quite the contrary," she said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian addresses media during a school infrastructure announcement at Parramatta West Public School in Sydney, Tuesday, April 20, 2021. (AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts) NO ARCHIVING
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the state imposed the lockdown as a precaution. Source: AAP

"We're saying to everybody business as usual but just do a few things extra.

"We know that at least one person has been going about their business, potentially going shopping, attending events, going to family gatherings, we don't know.

"Until we do know that and until we know that there aren't more cases that are going to pop up, it's a very proportionate response."

Ms Berejiklian added other states would have locked down whole cities, closed businesses, stopped events and banned dancing at weddings.

"We're not doing any of that," she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Storeor Google Play.