NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has stressed an easing of home social isolation rules from Friday is about care and ensuring people's mental health is supported.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
"Please know this does not give you a licence to go beyond the rules," Ms Berejiklian said.
"The reasons why we're allowing people to come into other people's households is to extend the definition of care; it's to reduce social isolation and to improve mental health.
"The four reasons why you should or can leave the house remain. The fact you can visit another person's household is the extension of the definition of care.
"We expect every family to have a conversation .... I'll be still standing outside the house [of my parents], because I'm still in contact with a lot of people.
"We haven't put a limit on how far you can travel in order visit a loved one ... but this isn't a holiday.
"It will be pretty obvious if you're doing the wrong thing ... and it will also be pretty obvious as we'll be getting a spike in cases.
"I don't ever want to be in a situation where NSW has to go backwards on something we've allowed people to do.
"I want us to keep making steps forward."
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said he had communicated the approach for eased restrictions from Friday to officers, and that it wasn't appropriate to flood country towns.
"If you live in the city and you're up in Byron Bay thinking it's a good excuse for a drive, that's not going to wash," he said.
"The Premier has asked people to be sensible and police will apply that sensibly."
Ms Berejiklian also urged people to get tested.
IN OTHER NEWS
"If you have the slightest sniffle, if you have a scratchy throat, if you work with vulnerable people ... please come forward and get tested," she said.
"We want to see that number [of testing] average out to 8000 a day.
"We're making it as easy as possible."
The majority of people are being managed through community-based health care.
Ms Berejiklian said National Cabinet would be considering issues around professional and community sport on Friday.
"Unfortunately, we have to live with this pandemic until there's a vaccine ... how we live in a pandemic is up to us, that's why we're taking a cautious, staged approach back," she said.
Border Mail
While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here
