A message from the Mayor

1 December 2020

I would like to congratulate and thank the Waverley community and visitors for continuing to adhere to the current Public Health Orders (PHOs) and health advice when using our public outdoor spaces. This has helped keep our community safe and the number of active cases at zero for several weeks now.

2020 has certainly been a year like no other. Our community continues to face the ongoing challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, but compassion, resilience and determination have characterised the way Council and our community have dealt with the unprecedented events of the past few months.

In encouraging news, limits on outdoor public gatherings in NSW have increased today in time for the festive season. This will make it easier for people to spend time with family and friends, but this is not a time for complacency.

I encourage people to continue to observe all PHOs in place and follow the relevant health advice including remaining 1.5 metres or a towel-length apart when visiting our outdoor public spaces unless you are from the same household, and maintaining good hand hygiene. If we continue to do this, then we can all have an enjoyable and safe festive season with our family and friends.

From today, Tuesday, 1 December: 

• Up to 50 people (was 20) can visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being utilised, however, it’s recommended no more than 30 people gather if the residence has no outdoor area
• Up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space (was 30)
• Small hospitality venues (up to 200 square metres in size) will be allowed to have one person per two square metres indoors.

From Monday, 14 December: 

• The PHO requiring employers to allow employees to work from home (where it is reasonably practicable to do so) will be repealed. Employers are encouraged to stagger staff starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport. Customers using public transport are strongly encouraged to wear a mask.

Please, if you are feeling unwell, stay and home and get tested and stay at home until you receive a negative result. The Bondi Beach drive-through testing clinic is open from 9am to 5pm daily for people ages five years and over.

Paula Masselos

Mayor of Waverley