In response to the growing cluster, the NSW Government has announced new restrictions to come into effect from 4pm today. The new restrictions will be in place for one week and apply to Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour:

• Masks will be compulsory in all indoor non-residential settings, including workplaces, and at organised outdoor events;
• If you live or work in the City of Sydney, Waverley, Randwick, Canada Bay, Inner West, Bayside, and Woollahra Local Government Areas, you cannot travel outside metropolitan Sydney for non-essential travel;
• Previous public transport capacity limits, represented by green dots, will be reintroduced;
• Visitors to households will be limited to five guests – including children;
• Drinking while standing at indoor venues is not allowed;
• Singing by audiences at indoor shows or by congregants at indoor places of worship will not be allowed;
• Dancing will not be allowed at indoor hospitality venues or nightclubs however, dancing is allowed at weddings for the bridal party only (no more than 20 people); 
• Dance and gym classes limited to 20 per class and masks must be worn;
• The one person per four square metre rule will be re-introduced for all indoor and outdoor settings, including weddings and funerals;
• Outdoor seated events will be limited to 50% seated capacity.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of further community transmission. Read the announcement from NSW Premier Gladys Berejikilian here.

In light of the COVID developments today and NSW Health restrictions, the Chief Magistrate has today issued the attached Court Security Act order to the effect that:

• In Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour, members of the public who do not have a legitimate reason to be at court will not be admitted to Local Court premises.
• In the case of defendants facing sentence or Persons in need of Protection in relation to a domestic or personal violence proceeding, up to two support persons are permitted to be present in the court building.
• In the case of a defendant who is suffering from a mental health or cognitive impairment and is accompanied by their legal representative, up to two support persons are permitted to be present in the court building provided the legal representative satisfies the Sheriff’s officer that there is a genuine need for the attendance of the support person(s).
• All persons attending, including a support person, are required to maintain appropriate social distancing requirements.
• The Order will remain in effect for a period of seven days, and may be extended.

As of June 20, the Supreme Court has issued the following policy:
Masks and face-coverings – Court:

• Masks should be worn in all public corridors and waiting areas within that part of the court building solely occupied by the Supreme Court.

Everyone in a courtroom must wear a mask, unless:

• The person concerned is an active participant in the proceedings namely the presiding judge, a practitioner who is responsible for presenting the case in court or a witness giving evidence.
• one of the exemptions stated in the Public Health Order applies; or
• at the discretion of the presiding judge. 

Jurors and Jury Trials
Jurors are strongly encouraged to wear a mask at all times. Masks will be provided to jurors by the Office of the Sheriff. Read the Supreme Court advice here.

As the Law Society of NSW is located within the City of Sydney LGA, masks are compulsory for all people visiting or working at 170 Phillip Street. This requirement is effective from 4pm today in line with the updated NSW Health requirements. The one person per four square metre rule also applies. COVID Safe check in requirements remain in place for all visitors.