Relevant: Jervis Bay Territory residents and visitors
Topic: COVID restrictions for Jervis Bay Territory
The Jervis Bay Territory is no longer subject to stay-at-home orders but a range of restrictions still apply to keep our community safe through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
As at 12 October, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the JBT.
You can now leave home for more than just the limited reasons of essential shopping, exercise and to obtain medical care. However, there are restrictions in place to limit movement and gathering sizes and require face-mask wearing.
While JBT residents are no longer required to stay at home, to continue to protect yourself and your community, you’re encouraged to only travel where essential.
You can leave the JBT and enter the Shoalhaven local government area. However, the rest of NSW remains an affected area for the JBT. If you travel outside of the Shoalhaven, you will need to get tested and to quarantine for 14 days on your return to the JBT.
If you are leaving the JBT after 11 October, remember that stricter restrictions apply in NSW for people who are not fully vaccinated. Find out more on the NSW Government COVID-19 website: www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/easing-covid-19-restrictions/70-percent
The following restrictions apply in the JBT from 11 October until advised otherwise. They apply whether or not you have been fully vaccinated.
- People in the JBT over 12 years of age are required to wear face masks outside their homes, including at public places, in offices and at certain outdoor gatherings. Face masks are not required, when eating or drinking, exercising strenuously or in a vehicle alone with another person of the same household.
- Only five visitors allowed at a person’s home, including holiday homes and rentals.
- Non-residential premises such as shops and offices must allow 4 square meters per person, or up to 25 people.
- No limits apply on outdoor exercise, but Booderee National Park is currently closed.
- Wedding venues and gatherings after funerals also require 4 square meters per person attending, or up to 25 attendees. The venue must also have a COVID-19 safety plan. Masks must be worn by everyone attending the wedding or funeral. The couple getting married can remove them during the ceremony.
- No singing indoors or dancing at premises such as wedding venues or nightclubs. Members of a wedding party can dance, so long as there are no more than 20 dancers at any one time.
- If you are able to work from home, you are still encouraged to do so.
- Children can return to childcare in JBT when their childcare centre reopens. Please check directly with your childcare centre about their opening hours/days and requirements.
- Children can return to the JB School from 18 October. Families should have received a letter from the school with information about the return. Please contact the School directly if you have any questions.
- Safety plans are required for most venues and gatherings including places providing accommodation, outdoor events such as weddings and funerals, gyms, schools and childcare, beauty services, shops and cafes.
- Recreational facilities like sporting facilities can fill only 50 per cent of their seating capacity and must allow 4 square metres of space per person.
- Gymnasiums are allowed no more than 20 people.
There continues to be spread of COVID-19 in the Shoalhaven and surrounding areas. The JB School, which has been open for children of essential workers, is currently closed as an identified exposure site. Health authorities will provide further information to the school community. If a JBT resident is confirmed as COVID-19 positive, then specific instructions will be provided to that person. If you are contacted by health authorities, you may be directed to get tested and isolate at home.
If you have any signs or symptoms, please get tested immediately and isolate at home until you receive your result and advice from NSW Health.
The Royal Flying Doctor’s Service will be in JBT this week to continue our COVID vaccination roll-out. If you haven’t had your second dose or even your first, you are strongly encouraged to roll up your sleeves and get vaccinated as soon as you can. It’s our best protection against COVID.
JBT residents are reminded to continue to practise physical distancing and good hand hygiene. All information on the COVID-19 response for the JBT can be found at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/territories-regions-cities/territories/jervis-bay-territory/coronavirus-response