NSW has moved to immediately ban non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people as part of tough new national measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the community.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said he has today signed an Order under the emergency powers of the Public Health Act 2010 to protect its citizens in line with advice from health experts, as the number of diagnosed cases in the State increased to 267, including a fifth death related to COVID-19.

“Banning non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people is a safety measure recommended by the National Cabinet,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Most importantly, the community needs all of us to practise social distancing and vigilantly practise safe hand hygiene measures moving forward.”

Following advice from the AHPPC, the National Cabinet was unanimous in its decision to implement these health restrictions.

Mr Hazzard said the NSW Government supports measures announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison today which include:

• a ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 or more people (incl. staff)
• a ban on outdoor gatherings of 500 or more people to continue in place
• people only consider travel when it is essential
• strict visitation rules for aged care facilities including a limit of two visitors a day and preferably no children under 16 years of age
• social distancing measures of 1.5 metres
• lifting work restrictions on 20,000 student nurses so they can be engaged to help respond to the pandemic.

“Every resource possible is being directed to ensure if people become unwell, either through COVID-19 or any other health condition, you get the care you need,” Mr Hazzard said.

“And I reiterate what the Prime Minister has said in urging people to only get their information from NSW Health or the Federal Government health websites.”​