Coronavirus restrictions have thrown a spanner in the works for Australians wanting to usher in 2021 with the usual New Year’s Eve celebrations.
With cases rising in NSW, authorities have urged residents to get tested at their nearest clinic if they exhibit any symptoms of the virus.
Here is what you can and can’t do on NYE under social distancing rules around the country.
Northern Beaches
The toughest coronavirus restrictions are in place for the Northern Beaches area of Sydney, the epicentre of a growing coronavirus outbreak.
Those living in the northern zone of the Northern Beaches remain under strict stay-at-home orders until at least 9 January, however residents are getting an exemption on New Year’s Eve that allows them to host up to five people, including children, in their home from the same region.
Those in the southern zone of the Northern Beaches will be allowed to host up to ten people, including children, in their home, also from the same zone, but will not be allowed guests from Greater Sydney.
Bars, restaurants and venues in both zones of the Northern Beaches will remain open for takeaway only.
Greater Sydney
The NSW state government is telling people to stay at home and watch the shortened seven-minute show at midnight to usher in 2021 on television.
Police will be out in force to ensure people in Greater Sydney stick to the tightened outdoor gathering limit of a maximum of 50 people, down from 100.
Gatherings at households will be limited to a maximum of 10 people, including children.
A strict permit system will be in place only allowing those with a prior booking at a CBD venue into the city on the evening.
On Monday, plans were cancelled to host frontline COVID-19 workers on Sydney’s foreshore for the New Year’s Eve fireworks.
“It’s too much of a health risk having people from the regions and from Sydney … congregate all in the CBD,” Ms Berejiklian said.
Victoria
After suffering through the longest lockdown in Australia this year, Victorians will have a more relaxed New Year’s Eve after a 60-day streak of zero locally transmitted cases.
Household gatherings of up to 30 people are allowed, as are outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people.
Bars, restaurants and other venues such as nightclubs are open, but with a limit on the number of patrons.
Melbourne’s annual fireworks display over the Yarra River has been cancelled.
Queensland
In Queensland, another state with a long run of no coronavirus cases, households can have up to 50 guests, including the occupants of the house.
Outdoor gatherings of up to 100 people are also allowed.
South Australia
In South Australia, household gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, provided there is no more than one person for every two square meters.
Up to 200 people can gather at a venue for a private function, if they comply with the same square meter rule.
Western Australia
Western Australia has no maximum on the number of people allowed to gather, provided there is no more than one person for every two square meters.
Tasmania
Tasmania has the same two square meter rule, but with an upper limit of 250 people for an undivided space in an indoor premises.
1,000 people are allowed to gather in outdoor spaces or premises.
Northern Territory and ACT
There are no limits as to how many people can gather indoors or outdoors in the Northern Territory, but it is still recommended people stay 1.5 meters from people they don’t live with at all times.
The ACT doesn’t have any restrictions on the number of visitors people can have in their home. Outdoor gatherings in the capital Canberra are limited to a maximum of 500 people, where the two square meter rule can be observed.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction’s restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania
