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Wikipedia

COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales

January 30, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales is part of the ongoing 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]

COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales
DiseaseCOVID-19
Virus strainSARS-CoV-2
LocationNew South Wales, Australia
First outbreakWuhan, Hubei, China
Index case19-01-2020
Confirmed cases1,863,186 (as of 1 Apr. 2022)
Active cases268,761 (as of 1 Apr. 2022)
Hospitalised cases1,302 (as of 1 Apr. 2022)
Critical cases47 (as of 1 Apr. 2022)
Deaths
2,431 [a]
(as of 1 Apr. 2022)
Fatality rate0.13%
Government website
www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/covid-19/
www.health.nsw.gov.au/news/Pages/2021-nsw-health.aspx

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

Former premier Gladys Berejiklian formed a "war cabinet" to make decisions in relation to the pandemic.[5] Members include 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 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] She resigned two weeks later.[9]

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[10] 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.[11] 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.[11] Jury trials were suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus.[12] 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.[13]

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.[14] For much of the time the borders were open during 2021, people returning to NSW from Victoria were required to quarantine.[14]

Contact tracing

23 November, it became mandatory for many businesses to use electronic record systems to collect details of patrons for possible contact tracing.[15] and on 12 July 2021, the use of QR code check-ins in retail stores, hire vehicles and many other settings, became mandatory in all NSW.[16]

Lockdowns and curfews

2020

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.[17]

From 1 July 2020, New South Wales eased restrictions further[18] 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.[19] Restrictions were tightened again on 17 July.[20]

2021

On 23 August 2021, 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[21]

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.[22]

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.[23] The lockdown started on 14 August,[24] and was extended several times.[25] Within a week Yass, Albury, Lismore, Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs all had stay-at-home orders re-introduced,[26][27][28] and by 21 September the Cowra, Kempsey, Byron and Tweed Shires' LGAs were also again under stay-at-home orders.[29][30]
On 28 September the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook Shire LGAs were both placed back into lockdown.[31]

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[32]

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.[33][34] The same day, full COVID-19 vaccination reached 75.2%, and 90.8% had received one dose.[35]

On 16 October NSW reached 80% full vaccination. Because of this, for those who are 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.[36]

Protests

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

  • An anti-lockdown protest on 24 July in Sydney where several people were arrested. The Sydney CBD was shut down for hours as several thousand people marched from Camperdown, through Broadway to George Street. A police taskforce, 'Seasoned', was established to identify people at the unauthorised march, which breached public health orders. There were also protests that day in Brisbane and Melbourne.[37][38]
  • Anti-lockdown protest in Sydney city on the 21st August. The protest was countered by a pre-planned police response of over 1,500 officers and roadblocks on major roads into the central business district. About 250 protesters got into Sydney and over 45 people were arrested.[39] One of its main organisers, a 29-year-old Victorian man, was arrested before the protest on 19 August in Hornsby for breaching public health orders by travelling to Sydney from Queensland.[40] Protests were also held that day in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin, Melbourne and Perth.[41]
  • Numerous anti-lockdown protests across the state on 31 August. At least 79 protests occurred, including outside the NSW Parliament building and Byron Shire Council Chambers in Mullumbimby. Protests also took place in Blacktown, Fairfield, Sutherland and Liverpool in Sydney, and Ballina, Cessnock, Dubbo, Grafton, Lake Macquarie, Lismore, Mudgee, Nowra, Orange, Port Macquarie, Shellharbour and Wagga Wagga in regional NSW. 24 of the protests were in the state's north alone. Police arrested over 150 people and issued more than 500 infringement notices in connection with the events.[42][43] Several police officers were injured.[44]

Vaccination rollout

On 21 February 2021, the first public COVID-19 vaccinations in Australia, with the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine, were administered in Sydney.[45] Up to 6:00 pm on 23 February in NSW, 3,200 people were immunised across three state-run hospitals.[46]

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.[47] 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.[48]

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.[49]

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

  • $700 million for health services.
  • $450 million was allocated to waive payroll tax for 3 months
  • $250 million so state-owned buildings and public schools could employ more cleaners
  • $750 million was allocated for capital works and public asset maintenance.[50]

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.[51]

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.[52] and in December they announced that they would source rapid antigen test (RAT) kits and distribute them for free.[53]

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.[54] 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.[55] 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".[54]

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.[56] On 9 June 2021, the Dine & Discover scheme was extended by a month to 31 July,[57] and on 29 June extended again to 31 August. Use for take-away food purchases was also allowed.[58] The vouchers were eventually extended to 30 June 2022.[59] In November 2021, two extra vouchers were granted, one for dining and one for entertainment.[60] 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.[58]

Significant outbreaks

Bondi cluster

Despite a was 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.[61]

Northern Beaches outbreak

See also: Impact of COVID-19 on Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations

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.[62]

On 19 December 2020, a public health order was issued, locking down Sydney's Northern Beaches.[63] 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.[62]

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.[64] 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.[65]

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.[66] 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.[66]

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

Blacktown, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield Georges River, Liverpool, and Parramatta were called the "8 LGAs of concern"[68]

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.[69]

Statistics

Plot of COVID-19 cumulative cases in New South Wales[70]

Plot of COVID-19 daily cases in New South Wales[70]

Plot of COVID-19 cumulative deaths in NSW[71]

• 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)[72][73] 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.[74]

  • In 2020, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, the largest ticketed event in Australia, was cancelled only for the third time in its 197-year history.[75] The 2021 Easter show went ahead with restrictions such as limits on patron numbers.[76]
  • NSW local council elections due in September 2020 were postponed to September 2021.[77] They were later postponed again to 4 December 2021 due to a wave of delta COVID-19 variant infections that caused numerous lockdowns in the state.[78]
  • Vivid Sydney was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in its history,[79] then cancelled again in 2021.[80]
  • The 2020 Sydney Writers' Festival suspended ticket sales and are expected to cancel their seasons.[81]
  • The Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2020 was cancelled on 16 March.[82]
  • The 2020 Byron Bay Bluesfest was cancelled due to the introduction of 14-day self-isolation for anyone entering Australia.[83] The 2021 Bluesfest scheduled for 1–5 April, was also cancelled, one day before it was to commence, by a public health order signed by the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard. A case of community transmission was found in Byron Bay after people linked to the Brisbane 'nurse cluster' visited venues in Byron Bay while unknowingly infectious.[72]
  • In 2020, Hunter Valley Steamfest was cancelled,[84][85] and cancelled again in 2021.[86]
  • Splendour in the Grass 2020 was first postponed from July until 23–25 October 2020,[87] then postponed again to 2021.[88]
  • The 2020 Sydney Film Festival was cancelled on 18 March 2020.[89] The 2021 "67th Sydney Film Festival: Virtual Edition and Awards" were to be run "virtually" on 10–21 June 2021 via the festival website.[90]
  • On 17 March 2020, the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge, due to be held in April, was cancelled due to concerns about "the spread of coronavirus".[91] The 2021 event was held as scheduled on 26 April to 1 May.[92][93]
  • On 8 September 2020, Tamworth Regional Council voted to cancel the 49th Tamworth Country Music Festival. The Country Music Awards of Australia (Golden Guitar Awards), an annual awards night held during the Festival, is planned to proceed via online streaming.[94]
  • On 19 December, the 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was cancelled due to an outbreak in the Greater Sydney region. Crews, officials and supporters would have had to quarantine on arrival in Hobart.[95]
  • The 2020 City2Surf 50th-anniversary run was pushed back from 9 August until 18 October, and the live event was cancelled. The event was run as a virtual event where participants ran the length of the course on their local streets using an app.[96] The same happened in 2021, when Sydney was in another lockdown.[97]
  • Under the Southern Stars music festival was cancelled in 2020, and in April 2021 that year's was postponed to 2022.[98]
  • An alternate 2021 National NAIDOC Awards event was planned for 3 July 2021 at the Sydney Opera House after the awards ceremony in Alice Springs (Mparntwe) was cancelled.[99] After Sydney went into COVID lockdown on 23 June, the Sydney ceremony was postponed as rules for travellers returning to the Northern Territory meant that most people could not attend the Sydney event without a 14-day quarantine.[100][101]
  • On 9 September 2021, the 2021 NRL Grand Final, set for 3 October at Stadium Australia was moved interstate to Suncorp Stadium in Queensland due to "the current Covid-19 situation in Greater Sydney and across the state".[102]
  • The Numeralla Folk Festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic, and in mid-January 2021 the 2021 event was also cancelled after the state government again tightened restrictions, extending a ban on indoor live singing to outdoors.[103]

See also

Notes

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

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External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to COVID-19 pandemic in New South Wales.
  • "COVID-19". NSW Government. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  • "COVID-19 rules". NSW Government. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  • "Public Health Orders and restrictions - COVID-19 (Coronavirus)" (Press release). NSW Health.

January 30, 2023
covid, pandemic, south, wales, part, ongoing, worldwide, pandemic, coronavirus, disease, 2019, covid, caused, severe, acute, respiratory, syndrome, coronavirus, sars, first, confirmed, case, south, wales, identified, january, 2020, sydney, where, three, travel. The COVID 19 pandemic in New South Wales is part of the ongoing 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 COVID 19 pandemic in New South WalesDiseaseCOVID 19Virus strainSARS CoV 2LocationNew South Wales AustraliaFirst outbreakWuhan Hubei ChinaIndex case19 01 2020Confirmed cases1 863 186 as of 1 Apr 2022 Active cases268 761 as of 1 Apr 2022 Hospitalised cases1 302 as of 1 Apr 2022 Critical cases47 as of 1 Apr 2022 Deaths2 431 a as of 1 Apr 2022 Fatality rate0 13 Government websitewww wbr health wbr nsw wbr gov wbr au wbr Infectious wbr covid 19 wbr www wbr health wbr nsw wbr gov wbr au wbr news wbr Pages wbr 2021 nsw health wbr aspxAs of 1 April 2022 update 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 Contents 1 Government response 1 1 Restrictions 1 2 Border closures 1 3 Contact tracing 1 4 Lockdowns and curfews 1 4 1 2020 1 4 2 2021 1 5 Protests 2 Vaccination rollout 3 Government economic support 3 1 Dine and Discover 4 Significant outbreaks 4 1 Bondi cluster 4 2 Northern Beaches outbreak 5 Statistics 6 Event cancellations 7 See also 8 Notes 9 References 10 External linksGovernment response EditFormer premier Gladys Berejiklian formed a war cabinet to make decisions in relation to the pandemic 5 Members include 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 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 She resigned two weeks later 9 Restrictions Edit 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 10 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 11 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 11 Jury trials were suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus 12 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 13 Border closures Edit The Victoria New South Wales state border was closed from 8 July 2020 to 23 November and from 1 January 2021 to 12 February 14 For much of the time the borders were open during 2021 people returning to NSW from Victoria were required to quarantine 14 Contact tracing Edit 23 November it became mandatory for many businesses to use electronic record systems to collect details of patrons for possible contact tracing 15 and on 12 July 2021 the use of QR code check ins in retail stores hire vehicles and many other settings became mandatory in all NSW 16 Lockdowns and curfews Edit 2020 Edit 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 17 From 1 July 2020 New South Wales eased restrictions further 18 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 19 Restrictions were tightened again on 17 July 20 2021 Edit On 23 August 2021 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 21 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 22 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 23 The lockdown started on 14 August 24 and was extended several times 25 Within a week Yass Albury Lismore Hilltops and Glen Innes LGAs all had stay at home orders re introduced 26 27 28 and by 21 September the Cowra Kempsey Byron and Tweed Shires LGAs were also again under stay at home orders 29 30 On 28 September the Port Macquarie and Muswellbrook Shire LGAs were both placed back into lockdown 31 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 32 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 33 34 The same day full COVID 19 vaccination reached 75 2 and 90 8 had received one dose 35 On 16 October NSW reached 80 full vaccination Because of this for those who are 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 36 Protests Edit Multiple lockdowns happened in New South Wales in 2021 Significant protests included An anti lockdown protest on 24 July in Sydney where several people were arrested The Sydney CBD was shut down for hours as several thousand people marched from Camperdown through Broadway to George Street A police taskforce Seasoned was established to identify people at the unauthorised march which breached public health orders There were also protests that day in Brisbane and Melbourne 37 38 Anti lockdown protest in Sydney city on the 21st August The protest was countered by a pre planned police response of over 1 500 officers and roadblocks on major roads into the central business district About 250 protesters got into Sydney and over 45 people were arrested 39 One of its main organisers a 29 year old Victorian man was arrested before the protest on 19 August in Hornsby for breaching public health orders by travelling to Sydney from Queensland 40 Protests were also held that day in Adelaide Brisbane Darwin Melbourne and Perth 41 Numerous anti lockdown protests across the state on 31 August At least 79 protests occurred including outside the NSW Parliament building and Byron Shire Council Chambers in Mullumbimby Protests also took place in Blacktown Fairfield Sutherland and Liverpool in Sydney and Ballina Cessnock Dubbo Grafton Lake Macquarie Lismore Mudgee Nowra Orange Port Macquarie Shellharbour and Wagga Wagga in regional NSW 24 of the protests were in the state s north alone Police arrested over 150 people and issued more than 500 infringement notices in connection with the events 42 43 Several police officers were injured 44 Vaccination rollout EditOn 21 February 2021 the first public COVID 19 vaccinations in Australia with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine were administered in Sydney 45 Up to 6 00 pm on 23 February in NSW 3 200 people were immunised across three state run hospitals 46 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 47 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 48 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 49 As of 1 April 2022 update 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 EditOn 17 March 2020 the New South Wales government announced a AU 2 3 billion stimulus package including 700 million for health services 450 million was allocated to waive payroll tax for 3 months 250 million so state owned buildings and public schools could employ more cleaners 750 million was allocated for capital works and public asset maintenance 50 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 51 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 52 and in December they announced that they would source rapid antigen test RAT kits and distribute them for free 53 Dine and Discover Edit 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 54 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 55 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 54 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 56 On 9 June 2021 the Dine amp Discover scheme was extended by a month to 31 July 57 and on 29 June extended again to 31 August Use for take away food purchases was also allowed 58 The vouchers were eventually extended to 30 June 2022 59 In November 2021 two extra vouchers were granted one for dining and one for entertainment 60 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 58 Significant outbreaks EditBondi cluster Edit Despite a was 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 61 Northern Beaches outbreak Edit See also Impact of COVID 19 on Sydney s New Year s Eve celebrations 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 62 On 19 December 2020 a public health order was issued locking down Sydney s Northern Beaches 63 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 62 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 64 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 65 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 66 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 66 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 67 In May masks became compulsory state wide in certain settings such as public transport and supermarkets citation needed Blacktown Campbelltown Canterbury Bankstown Cumberland Fairfield Georges River Liverpool and Parramatta were called the 8 LGAs of concern 68 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 69 StatisticsThis section needs to be updated The reason given is Cumulative Cases and Daily Cases Plots not updated since mid January 2022 Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information March 2022 Plot of COVID 19 cumulative cases in New South Wales 70 Plot of COVID 19 daily cases in New South Wales 70 Plot of COVID 19 cumulative deaths in NSW 71 11 July 2021 in above graph was first death in Sydney s Delta outbreak Note Death plot data up to 19 March 2022Event cancellations EditAs 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 72 73 were cancelled As of 16 January 2021 update twenty regional town shows scheduled for January or February 2021 had been postponed or cancelled in New South Wales 74 In 2020 the Sydney Royal Easter Show the largest ticketed event in Australia was cancelled only for the third time in its 197 year history 75 The 2021 Easter show went ahead with restrictions such as limits on patron numbers 76 NSW local council elections due in September 2020 were postponed to September 2021 77 They were later postponed again to 4 December 2021 due to a wave of delta COVID 19 variant infections that caused numerous lockdowns in the state 78 Vivid Sydney was cancelled in 2020 for the first time in its history 79 then cancelled again in 2021 80 The 2020 Sydney Writers Festival suspended ticket sales and are expected to cancel their seasons 81 The Festival of Dangerous Ideas 2020 was cancelled on 16 March 82 The 2020 Byron Bay Bluesfest was cancelled due to the introduction of 14 day self isolation for anyone entering Australia 83 The 2021 Bluesfest scheduled for 1 5 April was also cancelled one day before it was to commence by a public health order signed by the Minister for Health Brad Hazzard A case of community transmission was found in Byron Bay after people linked to the Brisbane nurse cluster visited venues in Byron Bay while unknowingly infectious 72 In 2020 Hunter Valley Steamfest was cancelled 84 85 and cancelled again in 2021 86 Splendour in the Grass 2020 was first postponed from July until 23 25 October 2020 87 then postponed again to 2021 88 The 2020 Sydney Film Festival was cancelled on 18 March 2020 89 The 2021 67th Sydney Film Festival Virtual Edition and Awards were to be run virtually on 10 21 June 2021 via the festival website 90 On 17 March 2020 the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge due to be held in April was cancelled due to concerns about the spread of coronavirus 91 The 2021 event was held as scheduled on 26 April to 1 May 92 93 On 8 September 2020 Tamworth Regional Council voted to cancel the 49th Tamworth Country Music Festival The Country Music Awards of Australia Golden Guitar Awards an annual awards night held during the Festival is planned to proceed via online streaming 94 On 19 December the 2020 Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race was cancelled due to an outbreak in the Greater Sydney region Crews officials and supporters would have had to quarantine on arrival in Hobart 95 The 2020 City2Surf 50th anniversary run was pushed back from 9 August until 18 October and the live event was cancelled The event was run as a virtual event where participants ran the length of the course on their local streets using an app 96 The same happened in 2021 when Sydney was in another lockdown 97 Under the Southern Stars music festival was cancelled in 2020 and in April 2021 that year s was postponed to 2022 98 An alternate 2021 National NAIDOC Awards event was planned for 3 July 2021 at the Sydney Opera House after the awards ceremony in Alice Springs Mparntwe was cancelled 99 After Sydney went into COVID lockdown on 23 June the Sydney ceremony was postponed as rules for travellers returning to the Northern Territory meant that most people could not attend the Sydney event without a 14 day quarantine 100 101 On 9 September 2021 the 2021 NRL Grand Final set for 3 October at Stadium Australia was moved interstate to Suncorp Stadium in Queensland due to the current Covid 19 situation in Greater Sydney and across the state 102 The Numeralla Folk Festival was cancelled in 2020 due to the pandemic and in mid January 2021 the 2021 event was also cancelled after the state government again tightened restrictions extending a ban on indoor live singing to outdoors 103 See also EditTimeline of the COVID 19 pandemic in Australia COVID 19 pandemic in Australia COVID 19 pandemicNotes Edit 2 deaths of Queensland residents in NSW are reported under NSW Health s figures but are excluded from this total References Edit Doherty Ben 25 January 2020 Coronavirus three cases in NSW and one in Victoria as infection reaches Australia The Guardian Retrieved 17 June 2021 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 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 a b c New South Wales Government 2022 COVID 19 in NSW up to 4pm 1 April 2022 NSW Health a b Smith Alexandra 15 March 2020 Matter of life and death NSW Police can enforce isolation bans Brisbane Times Bored Sydneysiders Are Beginning To Stan Gladys Berejiklian amp The TikToks Are Unhinged PEDESTRIAN TV 5 July 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 BodyWorkouts SCOTT HENDERSON Full 12 August 2021 The Gladys Workout Your New Daily 11am Sweat Session sneakers Retrieved 2 April 2022 I will turn up when I need to Berejiklian to stop daily COVID briefing as state records 1 542 cases ABC News 10 September 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian resigns after Icac announces investigation the Guardian 1 October 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 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 a b Sanda Dominica 15 March 2020 Brace yourselves as NSW virus cases rise 7NEWS com au A joint announcement of the Supreme Court of NSW and the District Court of NSW PDF Supreme Court of New South Wales Supreme Court of New South Wales Archived PDF from the original on 15 March 2020 Retrieved 15 March 2020 Sydney news Coronavirus closes Katoomba High School prisons begin screening ABC Archived from the original on 13 March 2020 Retrieved 12 March 2020 a b Channels NSW Government Digital 6 July 2020 Border closure to protect NSW NSW Government a href Template Cite journal html title Template Cite journal cite journal a Cite journal requires journal help 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 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 Public Health COVID 19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement Order 2020 PDF Retrieved 22 July 2022 Public Health COVID 19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement Order No 4 2020 PDF Further COVID 19 restrictions set to ease from 1 July nsw gov au NSW Government 14 June 2020 Retrieved 16 July 2020 Public Health COVID 19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement Order No 4 2020 PDF 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 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 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 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 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 Stay at home order for Yass Valley Council www health nsw gov au Press release NSW Health 13 September 2021 Retrieved 14 September 2021 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 Coronavirus COVID 19 statistics www health nsw gov au Press release NSW Health 13 October 2021 Retrieved 13 October 2021 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 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 Police charge 57 people after wild Sydney anti lockdown protest ABC News 24 July 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 Josh Bavas amp 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 a href Template Cite news html title Template Cite news cite news a CS1 maint uses authors parameter link 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 More than 200 anti lockdown protesters arrested six police officers hospitalised after violent Melbourne demonstration ABC News 21 August 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 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 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 White Daniella 31 August 2021 Police injured in coordinated anti lockdown protests across NSW The Sydney Morning Herald Retrieved 31 August 2021 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 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 AstraZeneca COVID vaccine only recommended for over 60s following death of 52yo Australian ABC News 17 June 2021 Retrieved 2 April 2022 Health Australian Government Department of 16 February 2021 Vaxzevria AstraZeneca Australian Government Department of Health Retrieved 2 April 2022 Stay at home order for new areas of concern News www health nsw gov au Retrieved 2 April 2022 Raper Ashleigh 16 March 2020 NSW Government announces 2 3 billion coronavirus stimulus package ABC News Australian Broadcasting Corporation Retrieved 1 March 2021 NSW Government Digital Channels 11 July 2020 Quarantine arrangements for international travellers nsw gov au NSW Government Retrieved 16 July 2020 130 million to fast track state s mental health recovery www health nsw gov au NSW Health 1 November 2021 Retrieved 1 January 2022 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 a b 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 Dine and Discover NSW www nsw gov au NSW Government 15 January 2021 Retrieved 25 January 2021 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 NSW Dine amp Discover Vouchers extended to July 31 9News Nine Digital Pty Ltd 9 June 2021 Retrieved 9 June 2021 a b 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 Dine and Discover NSW www nsw gov au NSW Government 13 August 2021 Retrieved 28 August 2021 Ward Sarah 26 November 2021 The NSW Government s Two Extra 25 Dine amp Discover Vouchers Are Being Rolled Out From Today Concrete Playground Retrieved 28 November 2021 COVID 19 Coronavirus statistics www health nsw gov au Press release NSW Health 7 July 2021 Retrieved 8 July 2021 a b Public Health Order for Northern Beaches LGA www health nsw gov au Press release NSW Health Department 19 December 2020 Retrieved 5 January 2021 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 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 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 a b Channels NSW Government Digital 30 December 2020 New Year s Eve nsw gov au NSW Government Retrieved 4 January 2021 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 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 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 a b Cases States and Territories covid19data com au Retrieved 21 July 2021 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 a b 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 Langford Jackson 4 February 2021 Groovin The Moo 2021 Has Been Cancelled Music Feeds Retrieved 8 February 2021 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 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 CovidSafe Information Sydney Royal Easter Show www eastershow com au 2021 Retrieved 1 April 2021 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 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 Vivid Sydney 2020 Cancelled Destination NSW destinationnsw com au Destination NSW 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 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 Longstaff Simon 16 March 2020 The Festival of Dangerous Ideas has been cancelled ethics org au Retrieved 18 March 2020 Cashmere Paul 16 March 2020 Bluesfest 2020 Has Been Cancelled Noise11 com Retrieved 16 March 2020 Steamfest 2020 Cancelled Hunter Valley Steamfest Maitland Steamiest cancelled due to coronavirus crowd ban Maitland Mercury 16 March 2020 Riddle Rebecca 29 July 2021 Steamfest cancelled for 2021 Newcastle Weekly Retrieved 15 August 2021 Splendour in the Grass Archived from the original on 20 February 2020 Retrieved 17 March 2020 Cooper Nathanael 10 June 2020 Splendour in the Grass postponed until 2021 The Sydney Morning Herald Retrieved 17 June 2020 SFF 2020 Has Been Cancelled 18 March 2020 Archived from the original on 18 March 2020 Retrieved 18 March 2020 Albert Jane The 67th Sydney Film Festival Virtual Edition www broadsheet com au Broadsheet Media Retrieved 20 January 2021 Canowindra International Balloon Challenge cancelled due to coronavirus concerns Canowindra News Australian Community Media 17 March 2020 Retrieved 3 May 2020 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 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 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 Sydney to Hobart yacht race cancelled due to NSW coronavirus outbreak ABC News 19 December 2020 Retrieved 19 December 2020 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 External links Edit Wikimedia Commons has media related to COVID 19 pandemic in New South Wales COVID 19 NSW Government 16 March 2020 Retrieved 21 August 2021 COVID 19 rules NSW Government Retrieved 21 August 2021 Public Health Orders and restrictions COVID 19 Coronavirus Press release NSW Health Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title COVID 19 pandemic in New South Wales amp oldid 1130456521, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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