While the rules and restrictions around what you can and can’t do in NSW’s lockdowns are changing rapidly, we’re all understandably getting pretty confused about what is and isn’t against the health orders. One of the biggest points of confusion is about what comes under the umbrella of “recreation” for those areas that allow it within their lockdown restrictions.
As part of last week’s ‘Fact Check Friday’ on NSW Health’s Instagram – where us confused folks can ask questions about the lockdowns, vaccines, and COVID in general – the department clarified the definition of recreation, and who you can spend time with out of the house.
For anyone not living in one of the current local government areas of concern, you’re allowed to spend your outdoor time doing recreational things, which include sitting down to eat and drink, as well as sitting for relaxation, or having a read in the sunshine.
It’s important to note that though people across NSW can do these things at this point in the lockdowns, there are rules around who you can have recreation time with.
Unfortunately it doesn’t really mean you can go and have a picnic in the park with multiple people from other houses, but you can definitely have a sit on the grass with a housemate or your singles bubble buddy, or sunbathe solo at the beach (if that’s in your 5km radius).
For those residing LGAs of concern, you’re now only allowed outdoors to exercise for one hour per day, within the curfew hours of 5am to 9pm, and only with the people you live with or one (1) person you don’t live with. Recreation is not allowed, so either you’re on the move or you’re at home.
New rules for all of NSW also include mandatory masks both outdoors and inside buildings that aren’t your home. So don’t forget to grab your mask with your keys, wallet, and phone. And as always, get tested if you develop any symptoms, and treat yourself to a nice little sit in the sunshine after your vaccine jab if you can – you deserve it.
All adult Aussies (yep, even if those of us under 40) are currently able to get the safe and effective AstraZeneca vaccine through a GP. Click here to see which clinics are offering it, and talk to a doctor to see if it’s right for you.
Alternatively, you can triple-check to see if you’re eligible for the Pfizer vaccine here.
The best vaccine is the first one you can get, and that’ll be our ticket out of this mess.
