Sydney virus outbreak leaves Christmas plans in chaos
Australians awoke yesterday to find travel and Christmas plans in chaos after acovid-19 cluster exploded on Sydney’s northern beaches.
The timing of the outbreak could not beworse– occurring just one week out fromthe busychristmas period that hasmanyaustralians due to cross state borders to visit loved ones for the first time in months.
States have announced a raft of changes, including forcing people to quarantine at their own expense.
The 14-day quarantine period fromnowwill push past Christmas, which is just oneweek away.
Berejiklian said therewere at least 28 cases linked to the northern beaches cluster andwarned the state to expectmore cases.
Berejiklian urged all northern beaches residents “do not leave your home” as the stateworks to get on top of its cluster andwarned further restrictions acrossnswmay be necessary.
The Premier said therewas potential seeding out of the region after people who visited the northern beaches returned to their homes around Sydney.
Therewas “absolutely” no reason people should not bewearing masks when theywere unable to social distance– especially on public transport, she said.
Berejiklian said she didn’twant to “go down the mandatory path” and order people towear masks and adopt other public health measures – but shewould if necessary.
“I will if we have to,” she said. Nswhealth Minister Brad Hazzard had some harsherwords for the state, describing the outbreak as the result of “an avalanche of complacency”.
“We’re in the middle of a worldwide pandemic . . . theavalon cluster has served as very timely reminder that there is no roomfor complacency.”
Meanwhile, People are rushing to get out ofnswover fears tougher border restrictions could be imposed on the state ahead of Christmas.
Long queues have already formed at Sydneyairport, with hundredsmaking the decision to move their trips forward as new restrictions looking increasingly likely.
Multiple states and territories have already reimposed border restrictions for the northern beaches, with some even requiring allnswresidents to go into mandatory quarantine upon arrival.
Pictures fromnine’stoday show crowds of people packing the airport as people desperately try to leave the state.
Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania, theact, Northernterritory and Westernaustralia have all announced newrestrictions for people who have been in the northern beaches.