NSW to continue COVID-19 restrictions until February 28 in another blow for inner city nightlife

By TOKS OGUNDARE

Singing and dancing in nightclubs and entertainment facilities across NSW will continue to be banned as Premier Dominic Perrottet announced today that COVID-19 restrictions would continue until February 28, after being scheduled to lift in two days time.

Mr Perrottet said today that the restrictions put in place earlier this month will continue in a bid to prioritise students’ safe return to school and ease pressures on the healthcare system to allow elective and non-emergency surgeries to resume.

NSW residents were also encouraged to continue working from home where possible. 

“We have always said we will respond to what is in front of us and tailor our approach as required and that is exactly what we are doing,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We are transitioning to living with COVID and we will need to continually update our approach to ensure we are keeping people safe and protecting our health system.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard also urged people eligible for booster shots to get their third jab as soon as possible.

“We have an obligation to go and get boosters,” Mr Hazzard said. “Look after those people who might otherwise catch it from you”.

Twenty-nine new COVID-19 deaths were reported in NSW today, as the state recorded 18,512 new infections, while hospitalisations increased by 127 patients to 2943, with 1501 of the new cases from the Sydney Local Health District. 

Restrictions include density limits of one person per two square metres and the banning of singing and dancing in hospitality venues. Mask mandates will continue in all indoor settings, including public transport.