COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales

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COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationNew South Wales, Australia
First outbreakWuhan, Hubei, China
Confirmed cases5,623
Active cases36
Hospitalised cases1
Recovered3,287
Deaths
54
Fatality rate0.96%
Government website
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/

The COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first confirmed case in New South Wales was identified on 19 January 2020, in Sydney, where three travellers returning from Wuhan, Hubei, China, tested positive for the virus.[1][2][3]

Timeline[edit]

2020[edit]

Barricades erected by Randwick City Council to discourage access to a beach at La Perouse, New South Wales
NSW Government COVID-19 automatic signalling notice

Premier Gladys Berejiklian formed a "war cabinet" to make decisions in relation to the pandemic.[4] Members include herself, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.[4]

On 15 March, Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education, Mark Scott ordered that, effective immediately, New South Wales schools introduce social distancing measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.[5] The order required schools to cancel all assemblies, excursions, travel, concerts, large inter-school sporting and arts events, and other events that would require students and staff to congregate in large numbers.[6] Schools were to stay open. Four schools in the state have been shut for periods during the crisis due to confirmed cases within their school communities.[7]

On 16 March, New South Wales Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard announced that he was using his powers, under Section 7 of the 'Public Health Act 2010', to immediately and indefinitely cancel all public events with more than 500 attendees.[8] The order is enforceable by NSW Police and violations of the order can carry a prison term of six months, an $11,000 fine, or both.[8]

Chief Justice Bathurst, Chief Justice of New South Wales, and Chief Judge Price of the District Court of New South Wales ordered that effective 16 March 2020, new jury trials would be suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus.[9] The order did not apply to already empanelled jury trials.[10] Corrective Services New South Wales implemented screening mechanisms, early flu vaccination programs and stricter hygiene requirements for staff, visitors and inmates to slow the spread of the virus.[7]

The University of Sydney cancelled all graduations, conferences, academic and student organised events.[11] The University of New South Wales announced that it was cancelling all student and academic events until Easter, encourage staff to work from home and, where possible, shift all lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and labs to online learning.[12]

New South Wales schools were directed by the State Department of Education Secretary, Mark Scott, to cancel all assemblies, excursions, travel, and some events and conferences, including arts and initiative events, as well as whole school sporting events and inter-school sporting events with three or more involved schools.[13]

Even though there was a ban on gatherings of more than 500 people, huge crowds flocked to the popular Bondi Beach and other beaches across Sydney on Friday 20 March. Health Minister Greg Hunt said that such behaviour was "unacceptable" while the New South Wales Labor's Shadow Treasurer, Walt Secord urged the government to completely close off the beach. New South Wales Police Minister David Elliott later stated in a televised interview that lifeguards were instructed to keep a head count of the people at the beach and if the number exceeded 500, the beach would be closed. On 21 March, crowds built up yet again which led Waverley Council to temporarily close Bondi, and the other beaches of Bronte and Tamarama.[13]

On 22 March, a public health order was issued that declared Lord Howe Island a public risk area and directed restricted access. As of that date there were no known cases of COVID-19 on Lord Howe Island.[14]

On 30 March, NSW Parliament passed the "COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement" law,[15] which limited public gatherings to two people and directed, "that a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence." It listed 16 reasonable excuses and took effect from midnight on 31 March.

As of 15 May, some restrictions on public and private gatherings were eased. Private homes were allowed 5 visitors.[16] Free standing cafes and restaurants, and those inside pubs and clubs, were allowed very limited sit-down dining, after being restricted to take-away only since 23 March. Bars and gaming areas remained closed. A maximum of 10 people were permitted in restaurants and cafes, while social distancing rules still had to be followed. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people were permitted. Up to 10 guests were permitted at weddings, and funerals could have up to 20 mourners indoors, 30 outdoors. Up to 10 people were allowed at indoor religious gatherings such as churches.[17][18]

From 13 June, private homes were allowed to have up to 20 guests visit, and groups of 20 were allowed to meet outside. Food courts were allowed to open, so long as the 4-square-metres-per-patron rule was kept, and no more than 50 patrons. Indoor gym classes were allowed 10 participants. Up to 100 persons were allowed inside gyms, so long as area requirements were adhered to.[16]

From 1 July, New South Wales eased restrictions further due to the limited community transmission of COVID-19, at that time. No set upper limit on patron numbers at indoor venues, but only one person per 4 square metres. Outdoor venues, with a maximum capacity of 40,000, were allowed up to 25 per cent of normal capacity. Events had to be ticketed, patrons seated and follow guidelines. Restriction on funerals eased, but the four-square-metre rule applied. Other existing restrictions, no more than 20 guests inside homes, 20 outside, remained in force.[19] Restrictions were tightened again on 17 July. (See below)

From 5 July, the Federal Government introduced restrictions on the number of passengers arriving at Sydney Airport. A maximum of 50 passengers were allowed per flight, and international arrivals were set at 450 per day. This was by request of the NSW Government to reduce pressure on hotel quarantine capacity. More than 32,000 travellers had quarantined in Sydney hotels by this date.[20]

On 6 July, the Victorian and NSW State Governments, jointly announced that their interstate border would be re-closed from the start of 8 July, following a large spike in cases in certain areas of Melbourne.[21]

As of 12:01 a.m. on 17 July, after an increase in cases, new rules for pubs were introduced. Measures included, group bookings and persons at a table were limited to 10 (formerly 20), and a maximum of 300 people allowed inside any venue. COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls to oversee the venues COVID-19 infection prevention were also required, and venue COVID-Safe registration was compulsory. Paper-based sign-ins are allowed, but a digital record of patrons contact details, for contact tracing, must be provided on request.[22] Breaching the rules can result in a A$55,000 fine for the venue, plus another A$27,500 for each day the breach is continued.[23] As of 24 July, the tightened venue restrictions were also applied to bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants.[23]

Until 18 July, international travellers who had to undergo compulsory quarantine on arrival did not have to pay for their accommodation, at a cost of A$65 million to the NSW Government. Under new rules announced on 11 July, as of 12:01 a.m. on Saturday 18 July 2020, all new arrivals are being charged for their quarantine. The charge includes meals and room costs, for which one adult will pay A$3,000, additional adults A$1,000, children A$500, and no charge for children under 3 years. Those already quarantined will not have to pay, nor will those who purchased flights, and, had a confirmed international arrival date, before 11:59  p.m. on 12 July 2020 AEST.[24]

On 20 July, the number of daily overseas arrivals allowed at Sydney Airport was reduced to 350 from the 450 limit set on July 5.[25]

On 5 August, it was announced that as from 7 August all Victorians arriving in NSW would be required to quarantine, at their own expense, in hotels for 14 days. Air arrivals from Victoria were only allowed at Sydney Airport.[26]

From 23 November, it became mandatory for many businesses to use electronic record systems to collect details of patrons for possible contact tracing.[27]

Northern Beaches outbreak[edit]

See also: Impact of COVID-19 on New Year's Eve celebrations

During the second week of December 2020, an outbreak of COVID-19 in Avalon began.[citation needed] A stay at home advisory was issued on 17 December.[28]

On 19 December 2020, a public health order was issued, locking down Sydney's Northern Beaches.[29] Residents of the Northern Beaches LGA were required to stay at home from 5 pm on Saturday 19 December, until 11:59 pm on Wednesday 23 December unless they had a lawful reason to travel, including for: essential shopping; essential travel for work and to or from a school or educational institution; exercise; medical care, carer's responsibilities or compassionate needs. Entry to the area was similarly restricted. Public gatherings were limited to two persons.[28]

By 20 December, there were 68 cases. This prompted restrictions on admission of Sydney residents or visitors to Sydney, to other states. These ranged from 14-day quarantines (ACT, NT, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria) to no entry without an exemption (Queensland). South Australia barred entry to anyone from the Northern Beaches, while Western Australia barred everyone coming from NSW.[30] Measures to stem the spread of COVID-19 in Sydney were again tightened. No more than 10 people were allowed in homes in Greater Sydney, Blue Mountains, Central Coast and Illawarra-Shoalhaven.[31]

New Year's Eve celebrations were restricted in Sydney city, around the harbour and suburbs. The midnight fireworks on Sydney Harbour, normally 20 minutes, were cut back to 7 minutes, with no fireworks at 9 pm.[32] The harbour foreshores were closed to prevent crowds congregating. Only residents, guests, and those with bookings at bars, hotels and restaurants, were allowed in foreshore areas under a pass system. Vantage points in North Sydney were also closed.[32]

2021[edit]

From 1 January, hospitality venues and hairdressers were required to use the NSW Government QR code system for patron check-in.[33]

On Saturday, 2 January 2021, it was announced that as of midnight that day, facemasks would become mandatory in many enclosed places in Greater Sydney. All public transport, shops, supermarkets, cinemas, theatres and places of worship were included. Hospitality workers also had to wear masks. Children under 12 years-of-age were exempt. An A$200 on the spot fine could be charged for non-compliance. Fines were applied from 4 January (Monday).[34]

Maximum gym class sizes were reduced from 50 to 30, worship from 300 down to 100, weddings were limited to 100, or one per 4 square metres. Outdoor performances reduced from 1,000 to 500 patrons. Events which were "seated, ticketed and enclosed" were reduced back to 2,000 maximum. Night clubs were "not permitted".[34]

February

On 21 February, the first public COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia, with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine, were administered in Sydney.[35] Up to 6:00 pm on 23 February in NSW, 3,200 people were immunised across three state-run hospitals.[36]

As of 24 February, there was no transmission of COVID-19 in the community in NSW for 38 days. On 17 March restrictions were to be "revisited".[36] Also on 24 February, further restriction easing was announced in NSW. From 12:01 am on 26 February (Friday):

  • Dancing and singing was allowed at gatherings
  • At weddings, up to 30 people, including guests, could dance at one time. (previously, only the wedding party, a maximum of 20 people. The 300 person limit for wedding guests remained)
  • Up to 50 people at their home (up from 30) Visitor number includes adults and children.
  • Up to 50 people allowed in gym classes (4-square metre rule applies)
  • Up to 30 singers allowed in choirs and religious congregations. Masks required, place of worship must adhere to the 4-square metre rule.[36]
May

On 5 May in Sydney, a case of COVID-19 in a man in his 50s was detected with no known physical link to travel or border control/quarantine hotels or workers. His wife also tested positive to COVID-19. Genomic testing provided a link to an overseas (US) acquired infection at the Park Royal in Darling Harbour. The new cases are believed to have been infectious while visiting at least 20 locations in Sydney from 30 April to 4 March. Due to these community transmitted infections, COVID related restrictions in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong were tightened, initially for 3 days, from 5 pm on 6 May (Friday), to 12:01 am on 9 May (Monday).[37][38]

  • Mask-wearing was again made mandatory at indoor places, including:[37]
    • Public transport
    • Supermarkets
    • Other indoor events
  • Hospitality staff at front of house had to be masked[38]
    • Patrons drinking had to be seated.
  • No singing or dancing at indoor venues, including,
    • Places of worship and
    • Entertainment venues.

Exemptions included weddings, and dancers or singers performing in shows.[37]

  • Only 20 visitors allowed at private homes
  • Maximum 2 visitors at aged care facilities[38]

On 9 May, because the "missing link" in the two community transmitted infections that caused the restriction tightening on 5 May had not been located, most of the extra restrictions were extended another seven days until 12:01 am on 17 May. The main change was mask wearing was not required indoors by patrons of shops and hospitality venues, except for gaming areas where masks are still needed. On public transport and other indoor public venues masks remained mandatory.[39] 13,768 COVID tests were undertaken in the 24 hours to 8:00 pm that day, but NSW recorded no locally acquired COVID-19 infections.[40] On 17 May the temporary restrictions from 5 May were lifted. The missing link in the cases of community transmission that led to these restrictions had still not been located.[41]

On 10 May, a mass vaccination hub opened at Sydney Olympic Park. The same day, registrations began for NSW residents aged 40 to 49-years to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.[40]

June

On 1 June, it was found that a now confirmed COVID-19 case from Melbourne had travelled to New South Wales, before Victorias' fourth lockdown was imposed on 27 May, while possibly infectious. Possible exposure sites included venues in Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Hyams Beach and Vincentia.[42]

From 16 June, NSW residents aged over 50 were able to get an AstraZeneca vaccination from selected pharmacies. 1,250 pharmacies were approved by the NSW health department to administer the vaccine under strict regulations.[43] However, on 17 June the Commonwealth government decided to, on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), to change their previous advisory of 50 years plus, and only recommend the AstraZeneca vaccine for those over 60 years-of-age.[44]

On 18 June from 4pm in Greater Sydney (not including the Illawarra and Wollongong regions), masks were again made mandatory on public transport for at least the next 5 days. This was after a COVID-19 cluster in Sydneys' Eastern Suburbs had grown to 4 cases. The same day it was announced that from 1:00am Saturday (19 June), the eastern Sydney local government area of Waverley would be declared a COVID-19 hotspot by the Queensland government.[45]

By 22 June a COVID-19 cluster in Bondi had increased by 10 to 22 cases.[46]

Statistics[edit]

Plot of COVID-19 cumulative cases in New South Wales

Plot of COVID-19 daily cases in New South Wales

Event cancellations[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Doherty, Ben (25 January 2020). "Coronavirus: three cases in NSW and one in Victoria as infection reaches Australia". The Guardian. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  2. ^ Cunningham, Melissa; McCauley, Dana (25 January 2020). "Coronavirus spreads across Australia amid scramble to find more cases". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  3. ^ Drevikovsky, Janek; Chung, Laura (25 January 2020). "Two probable coronavirus cases in NSW". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2021.
  4. ^ a b Smith, Alexandra (15 March 2020). "'Matter of life and death': NSW Police can enforce isolation bans". Brisbane Times.
  5. ^ Baker, Jordan (15 March 2020). "School assemblies, excursions and events to be cancelled". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
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  47. ^ "'Distressing and disappointing': Sydney Royal Easter Show cancelled due to coronavirus". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 13 March 2020. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
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  51. ^ Longstaff, Simon (16 March 2020). "The Festival of Dangerous Ideas has been cancelled". ethics.org.au. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  52. ^ Cashmere, Paul (16 March 2020). "Bluesfest 2020 Has Been Cancelled". Noise11.com. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  53. ^ Elsworthy, Emma (31 March 2021). "Byron Bay Bluesfest cancelled for second year running after local man tests positive for COVID-19". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 April 2021. This action is being taken to minimise the risk of the highly infectious COVID-19 variant of concern being transmitted in the local area, as well as across states and territories. − NSW Health statement
  54. ^ Steamfest 2020 Cancelled Hunter Valley Steamfest
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  64. ^ Piovesan, Anthony (21 April 2021). "'We are upset': Festival forced to cancel for second year". NewsComAu. Nationwide News Pty Ltd. NCA NewsWire. Retrieved 21 April 2021.
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