Booderee National Park at Jervis Bay reopened to day visitors from the Shoalhaven Local Government Area, but a State of Emergency remains in place for the Jervis Bay Territory (JBT).
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Booderee reopened on Monday, October 18, after being closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Camping at Booderee National Park will resume from November 1, with bookings available from October 18.
There are no restrictions on making a camping booking and from November 1, as officials anticipate being able to welcome campers from across NSW as travel restrictions ease.
The State of Emergency for the JBT has been extended for another 30 days through to mid November, as part of the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories, Nola Marino extended the State of Emergency and by doing so, the JBT community will continue to be protected and supported during this time, with the health and wellbeing of the community the first priority.
The State of Emergency declaration in the JBT under the Jervis Bay Territory Emergency Management Ordinance 2015 provides powers to key members of the JBT Emergency Management Committee, and Emergency Services supporting the JBT, to deal with public health risks associated with COVID-19.
JBT residents should continue to follow Australian Government and state and territory government advice, including on travel restrictions, health, hygiene, physical distancing and self-isolation.
For further information, see www.health.gov.au or phone the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080.
While the JBT is no longer subject to stay-at-home orders a range of restrictions still apply to keep the community safe through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
JBT residents 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 October 11, 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 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 four square meters per person, or up to 25 people.
- No limits apply on outdoor exercise.
- Wedding venues and gatherings after funerals also require four 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 October 18. 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 four 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.
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.
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
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