After a long and patient wait, coronavirus restrictions in NSW are easing down from this Friday



The government has already announced its back-to-school plan from May 11, and will this week permit a maximum of two adults to visit another household for social or care reasons.

The announcement marks the turning of a corner for NSW which cracked down hard last month, closing beaches and handing out fines to those who were outdoors without a legitimate reason.

“As you know, we’ve currently not allowed people to go and visit each other in their homes,” the Premier told reporters.

“From May 1, on Friday, two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing social isolation and everybody’s mental health.

“We know that for many people, they’ve been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes.”

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian delivered good news on Tuesday morning with the easing of social restrictions following another day with single digit infections of COVID-19.

This is what the new rules mean for you if you live in NSW.



Premier Gladys Berejiklian this morning announced relaxed rules would come statewide on Friday. But she did have a warning.

Can I take my kids?

Yes. The Premier placed a limit on the number of adults who can pay friends and family a visit, but did not place a limit on the number of children.

“Please know that from Friday, two adults can go and visit anyone else, and I’ve used the word ‘adults’ to say obviously if you have young children, it’s OK to take them with you. But a maximum of two adults will be able to visit anybody else.”

The kids can also get back to school starting May 11, the Premier said.

“It will be staged for the initial fortnight, and then based on those results, we’ll be able to update the community on how quickly we can have full time attendance,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“Again, that will be based on how things go, but we’re hopeful that students will be getting full time face-to-face teaching during and definitely by the end of Term 2.”

. The Premier placed a limit on the number of adults who can pay friends and family a visit, but did not place a limit on the number of children.

Can I host a party?

didn’t mean you could invite all your friends over for a party.

“At the end of the day, it comes down to a level of social responsibility,” she said. “This isn’t a licence to go wild and have massive parties, but it is a licence to be socially responsible and accept that the government is easing these restrictions to supply better mental health and less social isolation for everybody.”

Ms Berejiklian was quick to say thisover for a party.

Am I allowed to travel? if yes, how far?

Yes you can travel. The Premier was not specific about how far people can travel to visit loved ones or friends, but it seems there are no limits being placed on how far one can travel.

you can travel. The Premier was not specific about how far people can travel to visit loved ones or friends, but it seems there areone can travel.

What if I am over 70 years old?



“Those aged over 70 should remain at home as much as possible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you’re over 70, we still recommend that you keep leaving home to a minimum, but if you do feel that you need to go and visit someone in their home, please make sure that similarly, you ask questions about making sure that everybody is well, making sure that everybody practices good social distancing.”

That majority of deaths from COVID-19 in Australia are in the 70-and-over category, including a seventh person who died at the Newmarch House aged care facility in Sydney’s west overnight, taking the state’s death toll to 37.

The 89-year-old female resident died on Monday night after contracting coronavirus, authorities said.

Those most at risk from the virus should wait a little longer.

What if I am sick? Can I still go?



“I do want to stress that if you’re visiting someone who is over 70 years of age, or someone with a comorbidity, you have to practice really good social distancing,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“If you have the mildest sniffle, do not go and visit anybody. If you’re feeling slightly unwell or fatigued, don’t risk it.

“Please, please (act) responsibly. We trust everybody to do it responsibly. Don’t take risks. We don’t want to see the numbers suddenly spike up because people are being irresponsible. And I’m absolutely confident that people will be responsible, because there’s too much at stake.”

The announcement comes as Bondi Beach reopens to the public for swimming and surfing.

Waverley Council mayor Paula Masselos said beaches including Bondi, Tamarama and Bronte will all be open to surf and swim between 7am-5pm weekdays.

Simply put - if you are sick, don't go visiting people.

What if no one listens and cases do not drop?