COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales

Last updated

COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales
Disease COVID-19
Virus strain SARS-CoV-2
Location New South Wales, Australia
First outbreak Wuhan, Hubei, China
Index case 19-01-2020
Confirmed cases4,115,928 (as of 3 November 2023)
Active cases1,637 (as of 3 November 2023)
Hospitalised cases733 (as of 3 November 2023)
Critical cases12 (as of 3 November 2023)
Recovered4,106,444 (as of 3 November 2023)
Deaths
7,748 [a]
(as of 3 November 2023)
Fatality rate0.19%
Government website
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/
www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/2021-nsw-health.aspx

The COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales, Australia was part of the 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]

Contents

As of 1 April 2022, there had been over 1,863,186 confirmed cases in NSW: 1,149,142 confirmed cases from PCR testing, and nearly 714,044 positive rapid antigen tests (RAT) since mid-January 2022. [4] 17,509,209 vaccines have been administered. [4]

Government response

Premier Gladys Berejiklian formed a "war cabinet" to make decisions in relation to the pandemic. [5] Members included herself, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott. [5]

Berejiklian gave daily press conferences for much of 2021, in which she gave updates of COVID-19 statistics in the state and took questions. During strict lockdown, the press conferences became the topic of multiple memes and humour pieces. [6] [7] The daily press conferences ended on 13 September, with the premier stating "to expect the leader of the government indefinitely to do this every day means that I am not doing my job properly". [8]

Restrictions

In March 2020, the 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 [9] and 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. [10] 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. [10] Jury trials were suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus. [11] 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. [12]

Border closures

The Victoria/New South Wales state border was closed from 8 July 2020 to 23 November, and from 1 January 2021 to 12 February. [13] For much of the time the borders were open during 2021, people returning to NSW from Victoria were required to quarantine. [13]

Contact tracing

On 23 November, it became mandatory for many businesses to use electronic record systems to collect details of patrons for possible contact tracing. [14] On 12 July 2021, the use of QR code check-ins in retail stores, hire vehicles and many other settings, became mandatory in the entirety of NSW. [15]

Lockdowns and curfews

2020

On 18 March, The Minister for Health Brad Hazzard signed an Order under the emergency powers of the Public Health Act 2010 [16] supporting measures announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison which included:

  • a ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people (incl. staff)
  • a ban on outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people to continue in place
  • people only consider travel when it is essential
  • strict visitation rules for aged care facilities including a limit of two visitors a day and preferably no children under 16 years of age
  • social distancing measures of 1.5 metres
  • lifting work restrictions on 20,000 student nurses so they can be engaged to help respond to the pandemic.

From 24 March, parents were encouraged to keep children home from school, although schools remained open. [17]

On 30 March, NSW Parliament passed the "COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement" law, 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. [18]

From 11 May, students returned to school one day a week with a plan for a phased return over several weeks. [19] From 25 May, the phased return was replaced with full-time schooling. [20]

From 1 July 2020, New South Wales eased restrictions further [21] 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. [22] Restrictions were tightened again on 17 July. [23]

2021

On 23 June 2021, from 4pm, some partial restrictions were introduced for Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour: [24]

  • Visitors to households will be limited to 5 guests – including children;
  • Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
  • Drinking while standing at indoor venues will not be allowed;
  • Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
  • Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people);
  • Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class (masks must be worn);
  • The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
  • Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity;
  • Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced;
  • If you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra local government areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential travel.

On 9 July, from 5pm, an additional set of restrictions was put in place for Greater Sydney: [25]

  • Outdoor public gatherings limited to two people (excluding members of the same household)
  • People must stay in their Local Government Area or within 10kms of home for exercise and outdoor recreation, with no carpooling between non-household members
  • Browsing in shops is prohibited, plus only one person per household, per day may leave the home for shopping
  • Funerals limited to ten people in total (from Sunday, 11 July)

Greater Sydney region schools moved to a learn-from-home model for students from the beginning of Term 3, 12 July, with in-person schooling available for families that needed it. Schools outside Greater Sydney recommended masking, restricted visitors including parents, and additional restrictions on activities such as choirs. [26] [27]

On 14 August at 5pm, stay-at-home orders were issued throughout New South Wales, retail premises were closed unless in specific categories including supermarkets, pharmacies, and building supplies, and employers were required to allow work-from-home where "reasonably practicable", initially to extend to 22 August. [28] [29] The statewide stay-at-home orders were extended several times. [30]

On 23 August, as of midnight, some previously announced added restrictions came into force: a curfew from 9pm to 5am in the 12 'LGAs of concern' and mask wearing became mandatory outside the home everywhere in NSW. [31]

On 27 August, a phased return-to-school plan was announced for later in the year, with school scheduled to begin 25 October for kindergarten and year 1, 1 November for years 2, 6, and 11, and 8 November for years 3–5 and 7–10. [32] [33]

On 9 September, the NSW state government announced that when full vaccination levels reached 70%, those who are fully vaccinated would have greater freedoms than others. This 70% level was predicted to happen in mid-October. [34]

On 11 September at 12:01am, many areas of regional NSW came out of lockdown (stay-at-home orders lifted) as planned, after the last extension. Those areas were ones which had no cases of COVID for 14 days, and were also deemed low-risk. Even 'out' of lockdown many restrictions will remain in effect. [35] Within a week Yass, Albury, Lismore, Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs all had stay-at-home orders re-introduced, [36] [37] [38] and by 21 September the Cowra, Kempsey, Byron and Tweed Shires' LGAs were also again under stay-at-home orders. [39] [40]
On 28 September the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook Shire LGAs were both placed back into lockdown. [41]

From 21 September, those aged 18 and less living in areas of concern, and areas under stay-at-home rules, can create a 3-person 'friends bubble' to visit each other for play activities [42]

On 11 October, which some news media dubbed "Freedom Day", the 107 day lockdown in NSW was eased, mostly for the fully vaccinated. Stay-at-home orders were removed for them; non-essential retailers, hairdressers, and hospitality venues were among those able to re-open to people who could prove their full-vaccinated status; masks were no longer mandatory in the open, though still required indoors in public places and on public transport. [43] [44] The same day, full COVID-19 vaccination reached 75.2%, and 90.8% had received one dose. [45]

On 16 October NSW reached 80% full vaccination. Because of this, for those who were fully vaccinated, from 18 October mask wearing requirements, among others, and restrictions on numbers attending gatherings were eased, allowing more people to visit at home, gather outside, and at "controlled" (seated, fenced or ticketed) outdoor events. Travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW was not yet permitted. [46]

On 25 October, schools resumed face-to-face learning for all students, with the initial planned return finishing 8 November having been revised twice to have students return earlier. [32] [47] [48]

Protests

Multiple lockdowns happened in New South Wales in 2021. Significant protests included:

Vaccination rollout

On 21 February 2021, the first public COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia, with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine, were administered in Sydney. [57] Up to 6:00 pm on 23 February in NSW, 3,200 people were immunised across three state-run hospitals. [58]

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. Pfizer was the preferred vaccine, with AstraZeneca initially restricted to only those over 60-years-of-age on the advice of the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) due to blood-clot issues in younger people. [59] Due to low numbers of Pfizer vaccines available, AstraZeneca was later made available to those aged 18–59 in outbreak areas if they provided written or verbal consent. [60]

During the Higher School Certificate exams in 2021, the Commonwealth government allowed NSW Health to rebook vaccinations affected by reallocation of doses to year 12 students in south west and western Sydney. [61]

As of 1 April 2022, there have been 17,509,209 vaccines have been administered. [4] Of citizens 16 and older, 96% had received their first dose, 94.6% received their second dose, and 60.2% had received their third dose of the vaccine.[ citation needed ]

Government economic support

On 17 March 2020, the New South Wales government announced a AU$2.3 billion stimulus package, including

Until 18 July 2020, 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 starting on Saturday 18 July 2020, all new arrivals are being charged for their quarantine. [63]

In November 2021, the state government announced $130 million of funding, including for psychology and psychiatry services, to assist those who had been adversely affected mentally by the COVID-19 pandemic. [64] and in December they announced that they would source rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and distribute them for free. [65]

Dine and Discover

On 17 November 2020 the NSW Government announced the "Dine and Discover" programme in the state budget. All NSW residents over 18 years-of-age were eligible to receive four A$25 vouchers through Service NSW to help stimulate the economy. [66] Two vouchers are for dining, Monday to Thursday only, excluding public holidays. The other two are to be spent on entertainment, excluding on public holidays. [67] Businesses need to be COVID-safe registered, and sign-up for the scheme. The vouchers cannot be used for gambling, alcohol, cigarettes, retail purchases or accommodation. The program was originally called "Out and About". [66]

As early as mid-April 2021, the scheme was said by some regional NSW residents to be "city centric". At this time, the vouchers had been used by less than 10% of the 5 million who could use it. There were calls by NSW opposition political parties for the scheme to be extended beyond its initial 30 June 2021 deadline to use the vouchers. [68] On 9 June 2021, the Dine & Discover scheme was extended by a month to 31 July, [69] and on 29 June extended again to 31 August. Use for take-away food purchases was also allowed. [70] The vouchers were eventually extended to 30 June 2022. [71] In November 2021, two extra vouchers were granted, one for dining and one for entertainment. [72] On 29 June, the Dine and Discover stimulus scheme was extended for the second time, to 31 August, and now also allowed take-away food purchases. [70]

Significant outbreaks

Bondi cluster

Despite 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.[ citation needed ]

By 30 June 2021, the 'Bondi cluster' of delta variant COVID-19 reached 160 cases, becoming Sydney's largest cluster to this date, and by 7 July, the Bondi cluster linked cases had reached 264. [73]

Northern Beaches outbreak

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. [74]

On 19 December 2020, a public health order was issued, locking down Sydney's Northern Beaches. [75] 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. [74]

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. [76] 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. [77]

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. [78] 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. [78]

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). [79] In May, masks became compulsory state-wide in certain settings, such as public transport and supermarkets.[ citation needed ]

Bayside, Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield Georges River, Liverpool, and Parramatta were called the "8 LGAs of concern" [80]

On 13 August 2021, restrictions on leaving Greater Sydney were tightened. Residents will have to obtain a permit to leave the region. Visiting holidays homes will only be permitted under "special circumstances", and limited to one person. From 16 August people who had to isolate when awaiting COVID-19 test results could be paid $320 to compensate for lost wages. [81]

Statistics

Plot of COVID-19 cumulative cases in New South Wales [82]

Plot of COVID-19 daily cases in New South Wales [82]

Plot of COVID-19 cumulative deaths in NSW [83]

• 11 July 2021 in above graph was first death in Sydney's Delta outbreak
Note: Death plot data up to 19 March 2022

Event cancellations

As a consequence of social distancing requirements, lockdowns, travel restrictions, and state or national border closures implemented when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, numerous events in 2020 and 2021 were cancelled, rescheduled, postponed, reduced in size, or changed location. Some went to an online or streaming format. Some events, such as Vivid Sydney were cancelled for the second year in a row. Into early 2021 events such as regional agricultural shows, and music festivals (Byron Bay Bluesfest and Groovin the Moo) [84] [85] were cancelled. As of 16 January 2021 twenty regional town shows scheduled for January or February 2021 had been postponed or cancelled in New South Wales. [86]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ 2 deaths of Queensland residents in NSW are reported under NSW Health's figures, but are excluded from this total.

Related Research Articles

The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia was a part of the worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The first confirmed case in Australia was identified on 25 January 2020, in Victoria, when a man who had returned from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, tested positive for the virus. As of 6 August 2022, Australia has reported over 11,350,000 cases and 19,265 deaths, with Victoria's 2020 second wave having the highest fatality rate per case.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania</span>

The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached Oceania on 25 January 2020 with the first confirmed case reported in Melbourne, Australia. The virus has spread to all sovereign states and territories in the region. Australia and New Zealand were praised for their handling of the pandemic in comparison to other Western nations, with New Zealand and each state in Australia wiping out all community transmission of the virus several times even after re-introduction in the community.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic</span>

National responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have been varied, and have included containment measures such as lockdowns, quarantines, and curfews. As of 10 November 2024, 776,753,553 cases of COVID-19 have been reported, resulting in 7,073,453 reported deaths. The most affected countries in terms of confirmed cases are the United States, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa, Peru, Mexico, Chile, the United Kingdom, and Iran.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 lockdowns</span> Restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of non-pharmaceutical interventions, particularly lockdowns, were implemented in numerous countries and territories around the world. These restrictions were established with the intention to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. By April 2020, about half of the world's population was under some form of lockdown, with more than 3.9 billion people in more than 90 countries or territories having been asked or ordered to stay at home by their governments. Although similar disease control measures have been used for hundreds of years, the scale of those implemented in the 2020s is thought to be unprecedented.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">George Floyd protests in Australia</span> Anti-racism protests in Australia

Shortly after protests began in the United States in late May 2020 seeking justice for George Floyd, an African-American who was murdered during an arrest by Minneapolis police, people in Australia protested to show solidarity with Americans and the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as to demonstrate against issues with police brutality and institutional racism, racism in Australia, and Aboriginal deaths in custody. Vigils and protests of thousands of participants took place nationwide.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 vaccination in Australia</span> Ongoing COVID-19 vaccine program in Australia

The general COVID-19 vaccination in Australia program began on 22 February 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the goal of vaccinating all willing people in Australia before 2022. Front-line workers and aged care staff and residents had priority for being inoculated, before a gradual phased release to less-vulnerable and lower-risk population groups throughout 2021. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved four vaccines for Australian use in 2021: the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine on 25 January, the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine on 16 February, Janssen vaccine on 25 June and the Moderna vaccine on 9 August. Although approved for use, the Janssen vaccine was not included in the Australian vaccination program as of June 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Responses to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2021</span> Sequence of major events in a virus pandemic

This article documents the chronology of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2021, which originated in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Some developments may become known or fully understood only in retrospect. Reporting on this pandemic began in December 2019.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Victoria was part of the worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The first confirmed case in the state of Victoria, also the first in Australia, was identified as being on 19 January 2020, when a man from Wuhan arrived by air from Guangdong, China. His test results on 25 January confirmed he had COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Queensland, Australia is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 pandemic in Western Australia</span> Ongoing COVID-19 viral pandemic in Western Australia

The COVID-19 pandemic in Western Australia is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Western Australia (WA) confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on 21 February 2020, and its first death on 1 March. On 15 March, premier Mark McGowan declared a state of emergency. On 24 March, Western Australia closed its borders to the rest of Australia, and on 1 April, the state implemented borders between regions in the state. By mid-April 2020, the state had eliminated community transmission of COVID-19, becoming one of the few places in the world to do so. There were only a handful of cases of community transmission in the state after mid-April, until late December 2021 when a tourist caused an outbreak that led to the cancelling of some New Year's Eve events, and the re-imposing of mask wearing rules in Perth and the Peel region.

The COVID-19 pandemic in South Australia is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

The COVID-19 pandemic in the Australian Capital Territory is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. After one case of the delta variant in mid-August 2021, the Territory went into lockdown. By 26 September, the ACT had its first COVID-19 related death since mid-April 2020, nearly 18 months, followed by 3 more deaths in the first week of October 2021. 28 deaths during the outbreak since 12 August 2021 brought total deaths to 31, the most recent being on 8 February 2022.

The COVID-19 pandemic in the Northern Territory is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

The COVID-19 pandemic in Tasmania is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia during 2020.

This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia during the first half of 2021.

This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia during the second half of 2021.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 protests in Australia</span> Protests against restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia

Protests over responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have occurred around the world. There have been several protests against lockdowns and other restrictions introduced by the Commonwealth and state governments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia since 2020. Some joining protests have also been against vaccinations, while others have also subscribed to various conspiracy theories or misinformation about COVID-19. Protests have been held in several state capitals, with most occurring in including Sydney and Melbourne. While some protests were peaceful, others ended in clashes between protesters and police. Australian police have issued fines against protesters for breaching lockdown restrictions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">COVID-19 lockdowns by country</span>

Countries and territories around the world enforced lockdowns of varying stringency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This article documents the chronology and epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2, the virus which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia during 2022.

References

  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. 1 2 3 New South Wales Government (2022). "COVID-19 in NSW - up to 4pm 1 April 2022". NSW Health.
  5. 1 2 Smith, Alexandra (15 March 2020). "'Matter of life and death': NSW Police can enforce isolation bans". Brisbane Times. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. The rules come as Ms Berejiklian has formed a "war cabinet" with senior ministers, including Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Health Minister Brad Hazzard and Police Minister David Elliott.
  6. ↑ "Bored Sydneysiders Are Beginning To Stan Gladys Berejiklian & The TikToks Are Unhinged". PEDESTRIAN.TV. 5 July 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  7. ↑ BodyWorkouts, SCOTT HENDERSON·Full (12 August 2021). "The Gladys Workout: Your New Daily 11am Sweat Session". sneakers. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  8. ↑ Cockburn, Paige (10 September 2021). "NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian cancels daily COVID press conference as state sets new infection record". ABC News. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  9. ↑ 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.
  10. 1 2 Sanda, Dominica (15 March 2020). "'Brace yourselves' as NSW virus cases rise". 7NEWS.com.au.
  11. ↑ "A joint announcement of the Supreme Court of NSW and the District Court of NSW" (PDF). Supreme Court of New South Wales. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  12. ↑ "Sydney news: Coronavirus closes Katoomba High School, prisons begin screening". ABC. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
  13. 1 2 Channels, NSW Government Digital (6 July 2020). "Border closure to protect NSW | NSW Government" (Press release). Archived from the original on 28 March 2023.
  14. ↑ Channels, NSW Government Digital (23 December 2020). "Businesses, organisations and events that must use electronic check-in". new.gov.au. NSW Government. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  15. ↑ Lathouris, Olivana (12 July 2021). "QR codes mandatory in offices, retail stores and ride shares from today". www.9news.com.au. Nine Digital Pty Ltd. Retrieved 14 July 2021.
  16. ↑ "COVID-19 update - News". www.health.nsw.gov.au. 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  17. ↑ "Restrictions begin as schools move towards online learning". NSW Department of Education. 23 March 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2024. But from tomorrow, in NSW, for practical reasons, parents are encouraged to keep their children at home… "No child will be turned away from school."
  18. ↑ "Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020" (PDF). legislation.nsw.gov.au. 30 March 2020. Archived (PDF) from the original on 28 April 2024. Retrieved 22 July 2022.
  19. ↑ Doherty, Ben (21 April 2020). "NSW students to return to school one day a week from mid-May". The Guardian. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
  20. ↑ "NSW students return to the classroom full-time". NSW Department of Education. 19 May 2020. Retrieved 10 November 2024. Students across NSW will be back in the classroom full-time from next Monday, 25 May.
  21. ↑ "Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020" (PDF).
  22. ↑ "Further COVID-19 restrictions set to ease from 1 July". nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 14 June 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  23. ↑ "Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order (No 4) 2020" (PDF).
  24. ↑ "New COVID-19 restrictions for Greater Sydney - News". www.health.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  25. ↑ "COVID-19 restrictions tightened across Greater Sydney - News". www.health.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 21 May 2023.
  26. ↑ "Schools return under COVID-19 settings". School Infrastructure NSW. NSW Department of Education. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2024. Based on Health advice, the first week of Term 3 for schools in NSW will either be under a learning from home model or with strict COVID restrictions.
  27. ↑ Greenbank, Amy (7 July 2021). "Sydney schools are going online due to the lockdown extension, while regional NSW schools remain open". ABC News. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  28. ↑ "Stay-at-home orders for regional NSW from 5pm today". NSW Health. NSW Health. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2024. To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for all of regional NSW, effective from 5pm tonight until 12.01am Sunday 22 August 2021.
  29. ↑ White, Leah (14 August 2021). "Regional NSW in COVID-19 lockdown, joins the rest of the state". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  30. ↑ Kontominas, Bellinda (26 August 2021). "NSW records 1,029 COVID-19 cases, three deaths, some restrictions eased". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 26 August 2021.
  31. ↑ Nguyen, Kevin (20 August 2021). "Sydney lockdown extended for one month as NSW records 644 COVID-19 cases, four deaths 644 COVID cases and four deaths". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  32. 1 2 "COVID-19 Advice for families". NSW Government School Infrastructure. NSW Department of Education. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2024. When stay-at-home rules are still in place but other community vaccination and transmission conditions are met, students will return to school in a staged way. This is a staggered return for prioritised cohorts, with no mingling or on-site activities.
  33. ↑ Davies, Anne (27 August 2021). "NSW school return date: when students go back and what you need to know". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 November 2024.
  34. ↑ "NSW's roadmap out of COVID restrictions gives more freedoms to the vaccinated — here's how to prove you've been jabbed". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 9 September 2021. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  35. ↑ Deputy Premier John Barilaro (9 September 2021). "Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW". www.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Government. Retrieved 11 September 2021.
  36. ↑ "Stay-at-home order for Yass Valley Council". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 13 September 2021. Retrieved 14 September 2021.
  37. ↑ "Changes to stay-at-home orders for regional NSW local governments". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 16 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021. (Albury – Lismore)
  38. ↑ "Public health alert -Stay at home order for Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs". www.health.nsw.gov.au. NSW Health. 17 September 2021. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  39. ↑ "Public health alert - Stay-at-home Order for Cowra LGA". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 20 September 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2021.
  40. ↑ "Stay-at-home order for Kempsey Byron Tweed LGAs". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 21 September 2021. Retrieved 21 September 2021.
  41. ↑ "Stay-at-home orders introduced for Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 28 September 2021. Retrieved 28 September 2021.
  42. ↑ Brad Hazzard, Health Minister (21 September 2021). "Friends bubble created for children to allow home visits in time for school holidays". health.nsw.gov.au. NSW Health. Retrieved 22 September 2021.
  43. ↑ "'There will be challenges': NSW records hundreds of new COVID-19 infections and eight deaths on 'Freedom Day's". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 10 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  44. ↑ Tatham, Harriet (11 October 2021). "Some COVID-19 restrictions in NSW ease today for fully vaccinated people — what you need to know". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  45. ↑ "Coronavirus (COVID-19) statistics". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 13 October 2021. Retrieved 13 October 2021.
  46. ↑ Cornish, Ruby (16 October 2021). "Some COVID-19 restrictions will ease on Monday as NSW reaches 80 per cent fully vaccinated — what you need to know". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  47. ↑ "School return brought forward". NSW Government Education. NSW Department of Education. 30 September 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2024. Schools will begin their staggered return to face-to-face learning on Monday 18 October, one week earlier than initially planned, thanks to the heroic vaccination efforts of NSW.
  48. ↑ "NSW on the road to reopening". NSW Government Education. NSW Department of Education. 7 October 2021. Retrieved 11 November 2024. All school students will also now return to on-site learning with a range of COVID-safe measures in place by October 25, with the second and third stages of the return to school plan now combined.
  49. ↑ "NSW Police set up strike force to find anti-lockdown protesters after thousands shut down Sydney CBD". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 25 July 2021.
  50. ↑ "Police charge 57 people after wild Sydney anti-lockdown protest". ABC News. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  51. ↑ Josh Bavas; Kevin Nguyen (21 August 2021). "Dozens arrested, hundreds fined as police disrupt Sydney anti-lockdown protest". ABC NewsOn. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  52. ↑ "Anti-lockdown protesters clash with police in Melbourne, smaller demonstrations in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 22 August 2021.
  53. ↑ "More than 200 anti-lockdown protesters arrested, six police officers hospitalised after violent Melbourne demonstration". ABC News. 21 August 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  54. ↑ Herbert, Bronwyn; MacKenzie, Bruce (31 August 2021). "COVID lockdown protests lead to more than 150 arrests across NSW". ABC North Coast. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  55. ↑ Farquhar, Liz (31 August 2021). "Two new COVID-19 cases in Hunter outbreak amid lockdown protests at Cessnock, Lake Macquarie". ABC Newcastle. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  56. ↑ White, Daniella (31 August 2021). "Police injured in coordinated anti-lockdown protests across NSW". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 31 August 2021.
  57. ↑ Dye, Josh; Clun, Rachel (21 February 2021). "COVID-19 vaccines begin as Prime Minister receives Pfizer immunisation". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 21 February 2021.
  58. ↑ Nguyen, Kevin (24 February 2021). "Boost for weddings, gyms as NSW Premier eases COVID restrictions across Greater Sydney". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 February 2021.
  59. ↑ "AstraZeneca COVID vaccine only recommended for over 60s following death of 52yo Australian". ABC News. 17 June 2021. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  60. ↑ Health, Australian Government Department of (16 February 2021). "Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca)". Australian Government Department of Health. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  61. ↑ "Stay-at-home order for new areas of concern - News". www.health.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
  62. ↑ Raper, Ashleigh (16 March 2020). "NSW Government announces $2.3 billion coronavirus stimulus package". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 March 2021.
  63. ↑ NSW Government Digital Channels (11 July 2020). "Quarantine arrangements for international travellers". nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
  64. ↑ "$130 million to fast track state's mental health recovery". www.health.nsw.gov.au. NSW Health. 1 November 2021. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  65. ↑ Brad Hazzard, NSW Minister for Health (23 December 2021). "NSW Government updates COVID settings and makes Rapid Antigen Tests free". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. Retrieved 25 December 2021.
  66. 1 2 Cockburn, Paige (16 November 2020). "All adults in NSW to get $100 vouchers as part of budget cash splash". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  67. ↑ "Dine and Discover NSW". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 15 January 2021. Retrieved 25 January 2021.
  68. ↑ Gregory, Xanthe (18 April 2021). "Dine and Discover vouchers slammed by NSW regions as being too 'city-centric'". ABC Central West. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  69. ↑ "NSW Dine & Discover Vouchers extended to July 31". 9News. Nine Digital Pty Ltd. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 9 June 2021.
  70. 1 2 Woolley, Summer (29 June 2021). "NSW Dine and Discover program extended to August and now include takeaway services". 7NEWS.com.au. NCA Newswire. Retrieved 30 June 2021.
  71. ↑ "Dine and Discover NSW". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 28 August 2021.
  72. ↑ Ward, Sarah (26 November 2021). "The NSW Government's Two Extra $25 Dine & Discover Vouchers Are Being Rolled Out From Today". Concrete Playground. Retrieved 28 November 2021.
  73. ↑ "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health. 7 July 2021. Retrieved 8 July 2021.
  74. 1 2 "Public Health Order for Northern Beaches LGA". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). NSW Health Department. 19 December 2020. Retrieved 5 January 2021.
  75. ↑ Cockburn, Paige; Nguyen, Kevin (18 December 2020). "New health rules apply to NSW residents in response to Northern Beaches COVID-19 cluster". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  76. ↑ Smale, Simon (20 December 2020). "What we know about each states' travel restrictions in response to Northern Beaches Avalon cluster". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  77. ↑ Thomas, Sarah (20 December 2020). "NSW reports 30 new COVID-cases linked to Northern Beaches outbreak". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  78. 1 2 Channels, NSW Government Digital (30 December 2020). "New Year's Eve". nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. Retrieved 4 January 2021.
  79. ↑ Elsworthy, Emma (2 January 2021). "Sydney's coronavirus restrictions have changed drastically – here's what you need to know". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 2 January 2021.
  80. ↑ Cockburn, Paige (29 July 2021). "NSW's COVID-19 restrictions have been tightened again — here's what you need to know". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  81. ↑ "NSW COVID-19 lockdown laws tightened, restricting travel from Greater Sydney after crisis Cabinet meeting, restricts travel from Greater Sydney". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 13 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  82. 1 2 "Cases: States and Territories". covid19data.com.au. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  83. ↑ "2020 media releases from NSW Health". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). Health NSW. Retrieved 31 December 2020.
    "2021 media releases from NSW Health". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). Health NSW. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
    "2022 media releases from NSW Health". www.health.nsw.gov.au (Press release). Health NSW. Retrieved 20 March 2022.
  84. 1 2 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
  85. ↑ Langford, Jackson (4 February 2021). "Groovin The Moo 2021 Has Been Cancelled". Music Feeds. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  86. ↑ Palmer, Hannah; Thomas, Kerrin; and, Staff (15 January 2021). "Country shows cancelled again across NSW in 2021 due to COVID-19". ABC Rural. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  87. ↑ "'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.
  88. ↑ "CovidSafe Information - Sydney Royal Easter Show". www.eastershow.com.au. 2021. Retrieved 1 April 2021.
  89. ↑ Rea, Alex (27 March 2020). "NSW council elections postponed a year due to COVID-19". About Regional. Region Group Pty Ltd. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  90. ↑ "NSW records 163 new COVID cases, Health Minister Brad Hazzard takes aim at other states". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 24 July 2021. Retrieved 24 July 2021.
  91. ↑ "Vivid Sydney 2020 Cancelled – Destination NSW". destinationnsw.com.au. Destination NSW.
  92. ↑ Brown, Vanessa (7 August 2021). "Vivid 2021: Sydney light show cancelled, planning underway for 2022". www.news.com.au. Nationwide News Pty Ltd. Retrieved 7 August 2021.
  93. ↑ Dye, Josh; Buckley, John; Quinn, Karl (13 March 2020). "'Very confusing': Frustration grows as Sydney events cancelled due to crowd bans". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
  94. ↑ Longstaff, Simon (16 March 2020). "The Festival of Dangerous Ideas has been cancelled". ethics.org.au. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  95. ↑ Cashmere, Paul (16 March 2020). "Bluesfest 2020 Has Been Cancelled". Noise11.com. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
  96. ↑ Steamfest 2020 Cancelled Hunter Valley Steamfest
  97. ↑ Maitland Steamiest cancelled due to coronavirus crowd ban Maitland Mercury 16 March 2020
  98. ↑ Riddle, Rebecca (29 July 2021). "Steamfest cancelled for 2021". Newcastle Weekly. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  99. ↑ "Splendour in the Grass". Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
  100. ↑ Cooper, Nathanael (10 June 2020). "Splendour in the Grass postponed until 2021". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
  101. ↑ "SFF 2020 Has Been Cancelled". 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
  102. ↑ Albert, Jane. "The 67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition". www.broadsheet.com.au. Broadsheet Media . Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  103. ↑ "Canowindra International Balloon Challenge cancelled due to coronavirus concerns". Canowindra News. Australian Community Media. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
  104. ↑ Chown, Matthew (20 January 2021). "Re-booted balloon festival to offer 'glimmer of hope in weird times'". Daily Liberal. Australian Community Media. Retrieved 20 January 2021.
  105. ↑ Gregory, Xanthe (27 April 2021). "Sailing in the sky' returns to balloon capital of Australia". ABC Central West. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 17 August 2021.
  106. ↑ "The 2021 Toyota Country Music Festival, Tamworth surrenders to COVID-19". www.tcmf.com.au. Tamworth Country Music Festival. 8 September 2020. Retrieved 23 January 2021.
  107. ↑ "Sydney to Hobart yacht race cancelled due to NSW coronavirus outbreak". ABC News. 19 December 2020. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  108. ↑ Wondracz, Aidan (9 April 2020). "City to Surf is CANCELLED for the first time in its 50-year history". www.msn.com. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  109. ↑ Rabe, Tom; Smith, Alexandra; Massola, James (14 August 2021). "The severe measures considered within government ahead of sweeping COVID response". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  110. ↑ 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.
  111. ↑ "Cancellation of National NAIDOC Awards ceremony in Mparntwe (Alice Springs)". www.naidoc.org.au. National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. 4 June 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  112. ↑ Nguyen, Kevin (23 June 2021). "Sweeping COVID restrictions to be introduced in Sydney today as 16 new cases confirmed". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 June 2021.
  113. ↑ "Postponement of the National NAIDOC Awards 2021". www.naidoc.org.au. National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. 25 June 2021. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
  114. ↑ Conrad, Alex (8 September 2021). "NRL grand final call breaks 114-year tradition as game moves from NSW". News.com. Nationwide News Pty Ltd. Retrieved 9 September 2021.
  115. ↑ Proust, Keira; Doak, Emily (12 January 2022). "COVID-19 puts future of live music in doubt as more events are cancelled, but hope is left for some". ABC South East NSW. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.