Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Restrictions: Everything You Need To Know

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced Sydney’s New Year’s Eve restrictions, saying the decision to wind back new year celebrations was a necessary one based on the latest health advice and the evolving clusters in the northern beaches.

The state has recorded five new locally acquired cases on Monday, from nearly 15,300 tests on to 8 pm on Sunday. For citizens of the northern beaches and members of the greater Sydney area, New Year’s eve 2020 is going to be a mostly stay-at-home affair.

NSW recorded five locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional nine cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.

Four of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. pic.twitter.com/5jMrZEk1EA

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) December 28, 2020

On New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, residents of the northern part of the northern beaches will be allowed to have up to five visitors at their homes, as well as outdoors.

South of Narrabeen Bridge, residents will be allowed 10 visitors either in their homes or at a gathering outside. Unlike on Christmas, however, those numbers do include children.

From Monday, outdoor gatherings across greater Sydney, Wollongong and the Central Coast will also be reduced from 100 to 50 people. Again, including children.

For those confused about NYE restrictions:

– The CBD restrictions actually include large parts of North Sydney
– The "green zone" is the most restricted zone
– You can go to your local park but many council parks are closed

More here: https://t.co/CsjeOx6mBB pic.twitter.com/82RmqIEQcp

— Naaman Zhou (@naamanzhou) December 28, 2020

In at Sydney’s foreshore, a designated “green zone” around the lower north shore and CBD will prevent people from watching the fireworks from key vantage points unless they have a booking at a venue in the area.

Foreshore viewing spots closed and people being urged to stay home, a hotel stay is one of the few remaining options for a safe spot to view the fireworks. You’ll need to get a New Year’s Eve Pass to enter the “green zone” around Circular Quay. The passes are available to hotel guests staying in the area.

As for the fireworks, there will be no fireworks at 9 pm. But there will still be a 7-minute display at midnight. All this being said, it is vital that people stay home if they are feeling unwell, and get tested as soon as possible.

For those going out, please practice social distancing and wear a mask. The premiere is also asking you to restrain yourselves when it comes to the classic midnight pash.

Don’t risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the slightest symptoms, stay home and don’t go to the event.

— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) December 28, 2020

“I know that’s normally an emotional time where we like to kiss and hug everybody around us, can I ask for absolute restraint. Obviously, your household is OK,” Berejiklian said.

If you reside in Sydney and want to know more, please check the restrictions for which zone you reside in here,