Despite NSW recording a new case of locally acquired covid case at the same Sydney quarantine hotel where a security guard contracted the virus, the government went ahead with its planned easing of restrictions, meaning people are allowed to stand up and drink in bars and pubs.
As of today, drinking while standing up at indoor venues, pubs and clubs across NSW is now allowed.
NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the cases appearing in hotel quarantine did not make the government think twice about easing restrictions today.
“We have eliminated as best as we can that community transmission, yes we’ve got a couple of cases in quarantine that are under complete control, and we weren’t going to be deterred today,” Mr Barilaro said.
Earlier, Ms Berejiklian said the threat to the community is “negligible” as the case remains in quarantine and has not been outside of the hotel.
She confirmed the new case “doesn’t change anything in Sydney” and restrictions will still be eased today, including allowing people to stand while drinking inside pubs, clubs and bars.
Today’s case comes after the hotel security guard tested positive following 55 days of zero community transmission.
The case sparked a rapid response from health authorities who issued a series of health alerts for venues primarily in the Huntsville area in Sydney’s south.
