Sydney: Sweeping new restrictions came into force across Sydney as Australia’s largest city grapples with a fast-growing Covid outbreak.
The new rules took effect at 4pm Sydney time (06:00 GMT) and will remain in force for a week.
Meanwhile, authorities scramble to contain a number of new coronavirus cases of the Delta variant – a development that has prompted neighbouring New Zealand to raise its alert level.
Officials are concerned about the “extremely contagious” Delta variant.
From Wednesday, households are limited to a maximum of five visitors. Restrictions are be put in place at dining venues, gyms, sporting arenas and other gathering areas.
Mask wearing, which had already been reinstated on Friday, will be extended with people required to wear masks in all indoor settings outside the home and at organised outdoor events.
People who live or work in central and eastern Sydney are banned from travelling out of the city.
Authorities are also urging people to come forward for testing.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the virus risk had escalated to a “very real and present danger” right across Sydney.
New Zealand authorities introduced a number of restrictions on Wednesday, while the “travel bubble” that allows people to fly between the two countries was closed to passengers from Sydney.
