HIGHLIGHTS
- All regional New South Wales go into lockdown
- 466 new corona infections reported today
- New lockdown restrictions
- New payments for those who are self-isolated
All of regional New South Wales will go into lockdown from 5pm today (Aug 14)
The measures will be in place for at least a week and will include regional areas which so far weren't covered by stay-at-home orders.
The new order replaces any previous orders, however does not impact on stay-at-home orders for Greater Sydney - which will continue until at least the end of August.
It comes as the state records its highest daily case numbers to date - 466 locally acquired infections, and another four deaths.
All of regional NSW joins lockdown
From 5pm Saturday, all of regional NSW will join the rest of the state in lockdown. The new order has replaced existing orders in already-locked down regional areas.
Everyone must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave, and not have visitors from outside their household. However, people still can have one visitor at one time for compassionate reasons or to fulfil carer responsibilities.
All hospitality venues must revert to takeaway. Retail premises are required to close except for those that provide essential goods. Service stations, banks, post offices, laundromats and drycleaners can remain open.
Anyone who leaves their home must have a mask at all times.
Employers have been asked to allow employees to work from home unless it is not reasonably practicable.
Five-kilometre limit imposed
From Monday, the 10-kilometre-from-home rule for people in Greater Sydney and other locked-down areas will be reduced to 5km.
It means people will only be able to shop, exercise, or engage in recreational activities in their LGA or within 5km of home.
"You can do activity within your local government area but instead of 10km from your home, it will be 5km from your home," Ms Berejiklian said.
Two new payments - including one for visa holders
Also from Monday, a new $320 payment will be available for workers who live in the LGAs of concern and need to isolate while waiting for COVID-19 test results.
Eligible workers aged 17 and over will be eligible for one COVID-19 Test and Isolate Support Payment over a four-week period.
There will also be a new $400 hardship payment payable through the Red Cross for temporary visa holders and others who are ineligible for other income support.
