Not full lockdown yet but Centrelink queue from 6am and schools open
However the State isn’t in a full lockdown just yet, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian saying schools will stay open but asking parents to keep children home “if they can”.
“No child will be turned away from school,” she said.
“Because nearly 30 per cent of children are already being kept out of school, for practical reasons NSW is encouraging parents to keep their children at home,” she said.
Under the stage one shutdown, the Premier announced the closure of places of worship, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, hotels, gyms and indoor sporting venues, cinemas, entertainment venues and casinos from midday Monday.
Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and home delivery, and bottle shops attached to pubs will remain open, as will hotel accommodation.
However essential gatherings at places such as hospitals, workplaces, construction sites and for public transport, are exempt from the new restrictions.
“If you have the capacity to work from home, you should do so,” Ms Berejiklian said.
A new emergency bill was also introduced into the State Parliament on Tuesday with a range of temporary measures including empowering police to take action on breaches of Covid-19 public health orders and allowing supermarkets to stock shelves through the Easter long weekend to combat panic buying and stockpiling.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison also warned further restrictions may be required.
“Practising good hygiene and keeping a healthy physical distance between individuals is our most powerful weapon in fighting this virus and saving lives,” he said.
“The failure of some businesses and members of the public to do this, puts people’s lives at risk.”
• IF you or someone you know, needs immediate help, call Triple Zero (000) or for counselling, advice and support, call: Lifeline on 13 11 14; Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36; Headspace on 1800 650 890; the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467; or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.
