Australia: New South Wales continuing COVID-19 restrictions as of March 18; tighter measures ongoing in Greater Sydney /update 22

Event

New South Wales (NSW) continues to implement COVID-19 measures as of March 18. Officials limit indoor and outdoor public groups to 50 people in Greater Sydney. Up to 500 people can attend outdoor performances and protests, while 2,000 people can attend seated outdoor gatherings. Outdoor venues and most nonessential businesses can operate capacity limits of one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). Facemasks are mandatory on public transport and at religious sites when singing occurs; health staff also continue to advise the use of facemasks in areas where social distancing is not guaranteed.

In other areas of New South Wales, authorities limit indoor gatherings to 50 people and outdoor groups to 100 people. Up to 3,000 people can attend outdoor performances and protests, while 5,000 people can attend seated outdoor gatherings. Nonessential businesses can operate with their capacity limited to one person per two square meters (21.5 square feet). However, fitness facilities can only permit one person per four square meters (42 square feet). Capacity limits do not apply to transport hubs, hospitals, courts, supermarkets, schools, hotel accommodations, and commercial operations, including office buildings, factories, warehouses, and mining and construction sites, among others. Authorities urge residents in regional NSW to wear facemasks in indoor public areas where social distancing is impractical, especially on public transport, though there is no mandate.

Domestic Border Controls
NSW allows most travelers from all Australian states and territories to enter without quarantine. However, officials could ban nonresidents from locations where COVID-19 cases emerge. Returning residents who visited these locations at the specified times must complete a health declaration if arriving by air or train and self-quarantine for 14 days.

International Quarantine Requirements
Most travelers entering Australia must quarantine in government-designated facilities for 14 days in the city of arrival. As of March 18, travelers from New Zealand can enter NSW without quarantine. However, passengers on a flight with passengers or crew members that have been outside of Australia or New Zealand within 14 days of arrival must still quarantine. Costs for quarantine are at the traveler's own expense, payable at the end of the period. Quarantine fees are AUD 3,000 (USD 2,349) for the first adult, AUD 1,000 (USD 783) per additional adult, and AUD 355 (USD 278) per child; the government does not charge fees for children under three years old. Authorities require quarantined travelers to take a COVID-19 test on the 10th day of quarantine. Refusal to take tests will result in an additional 10 days in quarantine.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by government health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Plan for transport disruptions and delivery delays between Victoria and New South Wales. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Resources

New South Wales Government
NSW Health
NSW Self-isolation Guide