Here's how many people you can have over for Christmas under NSW's coronavirus restrictions

NSW authorities have revealed the coronavirus restrictions that will be in place from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day amid an outbreak on Sydney's Northern Beaches.

A woman wearing a face mask walking past the Martin Place Christmas Tree in Sydney on 18 December, 2020. Source: AAP

The NSW government has outlined what the Christmas period will look like this year across Greater Sydney and regional parts of the state, with the majority of coronavirus restrictions remaining in place except for some "modest changes". 

From 24 - 26 December, Sydney's Northern Beaches, the epicentre of the current outbreak, will be split into two regions with differing rules. There will also be some restrictions in place across other parts of NSW.

Here's what's been announced.

Northern Beaches peninsula zone

This zone includes the areas north of the Narrabeen Bridge and east of the Bahai Temple on Mona Vale Road. The rules in place are:

• Visits to other homes are allowed within the zone
• Up to five visitors allowed, including children, as long as they live in the same zone
• People cannot enter or leave the zone, unless for four reasons already in place
• On 27 December, the region will revert to existing restrictions

Image

Northern Beaches zone south of Narrabeen bridge

This zone includes the remainder of the Northern Beaches local government area.

• Visits are allowed to other homes within the zone
• Up to 10 visitors allowed, plus children 12 and under. Can include people from outside the zone, excluding the Northern Beaches peninsula
• People who live outside the Northern Beaches can visit
• Residents cannot leave the zone, unless for four reasons already in place
• Restrictions to be reassessed after Boxing Day

Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Wollongong and Nepean Blue Mountains

• Children 12 and younger will be allowed on top of the current 10 visitors cap
• On 27 December, existing restrictions will be back
• Restrictions for regional NSW remain unchanged

What's been decided for New Year's Eve?

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Wednesday the restrictions will be reassessed on Boxing Day, with Greater Sydney and the northern part of the Northern Beaches expected to revert back to existing rules the following day. 

She said decisions on New Year’s Eve, along with upcoming sporting events, will be made after the Christmas period.

Last month, long before the Northern Beaches outbreak, Ms Berejiklian had said up to 3,000 people would be allowed to gather outside in NSW with a permit to accommodate New Year's Eve celebrations. 

The Australian Medical Association has welcomed the state government's "cautious" approach to the Christmas period, but said it needs to seriously consider cancelling the fireworks to discourage crowds and avoid any confusion in its public messaging.

What's happening around the rest of the country?

With no other cases of community transmission in the rest of the country, Australians are largely set to celebrate a relatively normal Christmas.

Up to 30 people can gather in Victoria, while 50 people are allowed to get together in Queensland, South Australia and the ACT provided they keep a 1.5-metre distance.

Tasmanians and people in the NT can have up 100 people around for Christmas, while in Western Australia there is no limit.

However, every state and territory is keeping their borders closed to Greater Sydney, with WA shut to all of NSW.

With AAP.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction'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.

News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.

Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Northern Territory, ACT, Tasmania.