Sydney, Australia:
NSW, Australia’s most populous state, caught in a second wave of Covid-19 infections owing to an outbreak in Sydney’s northern suburbs, has been able to successfully contain its spread. The state has recorded its 17th day without any new local cases of Covid-19. Meanwhile, there were two cases acquired overseas, bringing the total number of COVID-19 cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic to 4,925.
There were 11,816 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 6,686.
Restrictions likely to ease from Feb 12, 2020:
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said “social distancing restrictions in NSW will ease again from Friday, February 12 unless there are unexpected outbreaks”.
A detailed list of the relaxation on restrictions is yet to be announced, but NSW residents can expect easing of gathering in social venues – venues that are currently subject to the 4 square metre rule will be subject to the 2 square metre rule.
Mandatory masks in public areas such as places of worship, gaming rooms, and hairdressing and beauty salons will be eased, but will continue to be mandatory across public transport.
The Premier also requested the Federal Government to priortise NSW frontline workers in its vaccination program as the state had been “wearing the burden” of the hotel quarantine program.
