​To protect the people of NSW from the evolving COVID-19 outbreak, new restrictions will be introduced for the Tamworth Local Government Area (LGA), effective from 5pm today until the beginning of 17 August 2021.

Following updated health advice from NSW Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, stay-at-home orders will apply to all people who live in the Tamworth LGA or have been there on or after Thursday 5 August.

The rules for this area will be the same as those already in place across Greater Sydney, as well as Armidale, Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Port Stephens, Singleton, Dungog, Muswellbrook and Cessnock.

Everyone in these areas must stay at home unless they have a reasonable excuse to leave. They also cannot have social visitors in their home from outside their household, including family and friends.

People still can have one visitor at one time to fulfil carers' responsibilities or provide care or assistance, or for compassionate reasons, including where two people are in a relationship but do not live together.

People also cannot enter Tamworth LGA without a reasonable excuse to do so.

In relation to the 'singles bubble', an adult in the Tamworth LGA who does not live with another adult can have a social visitor from somewhere in the same LGA. Single people cannot change who their nominated visitor is.

There are two exemptions for Tamworth, including that weddings and funerals can take place in the Tamworth LGA until the beginning of 12 August. After that, weddings will not be permitted and funerals will be limited to 10 mourners.

People staying in a caravan park or camping ground in Tamworth on a booking made before today can also continue their stay, provided it is not extended.

NSW Health understands this is a difficult time for the community and appreciate their ongoing patience and cooperation.

We are asking people not to seek exceptions to the rules, but to ensure they comply with them so we do not see further cases of COVID-19 in the community.