NSW social distancing restrictions will be gently relaxed this week, with two adults allowed to make a visit to someone in a home from Friday.
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"Two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing social isolation and everybody's mental health," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Tuesday morning.
"We know that for many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes."
If you have younger children, you will be able to bring them with you on the visit and they will not count towards the "two adults" total.
The Premier said with new COVID-19 cases on the decline in NSW, the government could reassess restrictions at the end of each month.
The government has already announced its back-to-school plan from May 11, and will this week permit a maximum of two adults to visit another household for social or care reasons. Those with children can also bring them to the household.
Ms Berejiklian also expected an uptick in retail activity throughout May.
"We know that for many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated," Ms Berejiklian told reporters.
She admitted that health authorities expected the change to increase the number of new COVID-19 cases but said NSW hospitals were prepared.
Those aged over 70 should remain at home as much as possible.
- with Australian Associated Press
