COVID update – 5 new cases, no cases in Hawkesbury, NYE RESTRICTIONS – outdoor party numbers halved

Premier Gladys Berejiklian speaking just now, says the rules for Greater Sydney – which includes the Hawkesbury – for New Year’s Eve mean “we are reducing outdoor gatherings to 50 rather than 100 across-the-board. When I say across-the-board, I mean Greater Sydney”.

“So at this point in time, you could have an outdoor gathering of 100. We’re reducing that to 50. If you want an outdoor BBQ or picnic, you can do so up to 50 people.

“You can’t have more than 10 people in your home. That includes children. So you can have up to 10 people in your home if you’re from Greater Sydney, but no more than that.

“All of us, no matter where we are in NSW or Australia, in the world for that matter, can enjoy the seven minute display from home and that is the safest way this year to enjoy the fireworks.”

The state is also cancelling places along the Sydney foreshore allocated to front-line workers from across the state to watch the fireworks.

There will only be a seven-minute fireworks display at Sydney Harbour at midnight on NYE.

The Northern Beaches lockdown is extended to Jan 9 for the northern section, Jan 2 for the southern section.