WITH Christmas upon us, travel plans and Christmas celebrations have been thrown into disarray and communities from the Central West and Western NSW have not been unaffected.
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Following further COVID-19 cases being reported, travel restrictions continue to be tightened with conditions affecting people travelling to and from Western NSW.
The following list of travel restrictions for Central West and Western NSW residents are in effect until 11.59pm on Wednesday, December 23:
- Travel to Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains: Avoid the area. If you must travel to the area, be aware of the increased restrictions including a limit of 10 visitors to any residence including holiday homes or short-term stays; one person per four-square metre distancing at venues; maximum of 300 people at hospitality venues or places of worship, with dancing and singing banned. The wearing of masks is strongly recommended.
- Travel within Western NSW: Current restrictions remain the same including the one person per two square metre rule and up to 50 visitors allowed at a residence.
- Travel from Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong and the Blue Mountains: Residents from the Northern Beaches are not permitted to travel to the Western NSW.
- Travel to ACT: Travel is allowed but people are reminded to behave in a COVID-safe way.
- Travel to Queensland: Residents must apply for a Queensland Border Declaration Pass before they enter Queensland. Anyone who has been in the declared hotspot zones around Sydney should get tested and quarantine until they receive a negative result.
- Travel to Victoria: Residents must apply for a Victorian Border Crossing Permit and continue monitoring for symptoms of COVID-19.
- Travel to South Australia: Residents must complete a cross border travel registration form.
- Travel to Northern Territory: Residents must complete a border entry form at least three days before travelling and a 14 day quarantine will be required if you have been in the declared hotspot zones.
- Travel to Western Australia: A hard border has been put in place and travel from NSW is no longer permitted, unless you are an exempt traveller.
- Travel to Tasmania: Residents need to register through the Tas e-Travel system. Anyone has has been in the declared hotspot zones must quarantine for 14 days.
- Travel from interstate: There are currently no restrictions on people entering the Western NSW region from interstate.
All states and territories have blocked Northern Beaches residents from entering while the NSW Government has put in tight restrictions on the area's residents.
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People are currently only permitted to leave their homes to seek medical care or for compassionate needs, exercise, shopping for food or other essential items, and for work or education.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro urged people to be responsible over the coming days.
"The message to and for regional NSW is one of calmness," he said.
"There is no doubt that there is anxiety in the region as people flock to the region for the Christmas break and we encourage that but we already have in place some restrictions that minimise the risk to regional NSW."
While travel for those from the Northern Beaches is not permitted, Mr Barilaro said those in the surrounding areas should travel only if necessary and do it safely.
"Be mature, be understanding that you could cause some level of risk and anxiety in the region," he said.
"If you've got any symptoms, please get tested, change your travel plans and maybe not visit regional NSW right now until we get on top of this issue."
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