The union for nurses in New South Wales has welcomed a new directive from NSW Health that makes it mandatory for all public health workers to wear surgical masks within 1.5 metres of patients.
NSW Health Secretary Elizabeth Koff said the rule comes into effect from today.
"Given the current context of local transmission, NSW Health has advised LHDs / SCHNs to escalate to a moderate risk level (Amber). This requires all health workers wear a surgical mask if they are within 1.5m of patients."
Brett Holmes from the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association said the organisation welcomed the change after five months of campaigning.
“Mask use is a welcome protection for all public hospital and community health workers and we will continue to pursue NSW Health over the issue of ‘fit testing’ and ‘fit checking’ for P2/N95 masks where required".
New restrictions on hospitality venues and gatherings
Meanwhile, the state government is warning businesses in the hospitality sector to comply with additional restrictions coming into effect from today, or risk being fined.
The changes include mandatory sign-ins, prepared COVID-safe plans, a cap of 300 people and maximum group bookings of 10.
Caps for private indoor and outdoor gatherings in NSW remain at 20, but weddings and corporate events are now capped at 150, and funerals and religious gatherings at 100.
NSW Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said about 31,000 businesses had to date registered their COVID-safe plans with the government.
Liquor and Gaming NSW has conducted 1311 COVID-safe inspections to date, resulting in three fines. More inspectors would be on the beat around NSW from Friday.
Mr Dominello also encouraged members of the public to dob in non-compliant venues.
"It's not Dry July for me anymore, it's Compliance July," he told reporters on Friday.
"This virus does not stand still and nor should the government, we need to be able to adapt."
Seven new cases reported
Seven new cases of COVID-19 were reported in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday from a record 36,169 tests, with three people currently in intensive care.
Of the seven, six are associated with the Thai Rock restaurant in southwest Sydney's Wetherill Park - taking the size of that cluster to 52.
The other case remains under investigation.
NSW Health's Dr Jeremy McAnulty said a previously-confirmed COVID-19 case had visited Costco supermarket at Marsden Park on July 19. Any Costco shoppers on that date have been encouraged to seek testing if symptoms develop.
The Crossroads Hotel cluster in Casula remains at 56 people.
"Key messages for the community are to avoid non-essential travel and gatherings. Of particular concern is transmission in venues such as hotels and restaurants, the gym and social gatherings," Dr McAnulty said in a statement on Friday.
NT, Queensland impose restrictions on travellers from Sydney hotspots
An aged care facility in Sydney's inner west, Ashfield Baptist Homes, has also been closed to visitors after a staff member connected to Thai Rock tested positive.
Northern Territory Chief Minister Michael Gunner, meanwhile, on Thursday declared Port Stephens a coronavirus hotspot, meaning anyone who has been there in the past 14 days must undergo two weeks of supervised quarantine upon arrival in the NT.
Tomaree Public School and High School, Goodstart childcare centre at Anna Bay, Woolworths supermarket at Salamander Bay Village, and Fingal Bay Cafe and Takeaway have all undergone deep cleaning after being exposed to a person with coronavirus.
People who travel into Queensland from Fairfield in Sydney's southwest, along with those from Liverpool, Campbelltown and the state of Victoria, will also be directed to hotel quarantine.
Residents in metropolitan Melbourne are subject to stay-at-home orders and can only leave home for essential work, study, exercise or care responsibilities. It is also mandatory to wear masks in public.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’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.
