Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry is supporting the NSW Government's decision to introduce enhanced COVID-safe measures that will apply to the Tweed Shire local government area from 5pm today (31 March).
Earlier, the NSW Government announced the following rules will apply to the local government areas of Tweed Shire Council, Ballina Shire Council, Byron Shire Council and Lismore City Council from 5pm:
- Mask wearing will become compulsory on public transport, in retail stores and in all public indoor settings
- the one person per 4 square metre rule will apply at all public indoor settings including hospitality venues, and
- the number of household visitors will be capped at 30 including holiday rental properties.
These restrictions will remain in place until 11.59pm on Monday 5 April 2021.
Anyone attending a Council facility which is in an indoor setting, including Thursday's Planning Committee and Council Meeting at Tweed Heads, will be required to bring and wear a mask.
"No-one wanted Easter to be like this but I welcome the enhanced COVID-safe measures to help prevent any potential spread of the virus," Cr Cherry said.
"I urge everyone in the Tweed to follow the NSW Government's COVID-19 mandatory requirements.
"While I understand this is disappointing news for many, there is still flexibility within the rules to allow us to get out, see our family and friends and support our local businesses, while remaining COVID-safe over Easter. This includes ensuring you check-in at venues using the Service NSW QR code system.
"At this stage, these measures apply only until the end of the long weekend, so be kind to each other and follow the rules that are in place to protect the whole community, especially our most vulnerable residents.
"Make sure you wear a mask where required, practice good hygiene, maintain physical distancing, stay home and get tested with even the mildest symptoms, and stay up to date with the latest from the NSW and Queensland health authorities," she said.
NSW Health is urging everyone in NSW, especially in the Tweed, Ballina, Byron and Lismore areas, with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.
