New Restrictions as of 27 June
Following updates late yesterday evening from the NSW Government, here is where things are at as at today, Sunday 27 June, as they apply to churches.
The current Public Health Order is in force from 6pm 26 June until 11.59pm on Friday 9th July.
For Greater Sydney, including Blue Mountains, Wollondilly, Hawkesbury, Central Coast, Wollongong and Shellharbour
Stay at home directions are in place for everyone whose place of residence or usual place of work is in these areas (excluding anyone who hasn’t been in Greater Sydney since 21 June).
All Places of Public Worship must remain closed to the public, except for:
- providing a service to assist vulnerable members of the public, for example a food bank or a service providing for the needs of homeless persons;
- providing educational services, including early childhood education, and childcare;
- funerals with up to 100 people (including those conducting the service);
- weddings that end before 27 June – i.e. no weddings from Monday 28 June.
People who are working (paid or volunteer) for the church may attend the premises to fulfil essential work requirements if the work cannot be done from home, provided the premises stays closed to the public. This includes live-streaming a service.
Anyone who lives outside this affected area of Greater Sydney must not enter it. The limited exceptions include attending a compliant funeral and permitting a minister of religion to go to their place of worship.
Note: that there are no exemptions for singing in a worship service in church premises across all of NSW.