The State Government has announced lifting of lockdown restrictions for the Mid North Coast, Far North Coast, Riverina and Murrumbidgee regions from Saturday 11th September 2021. But some restrictions remain in place.
Scout groups in these areas looking to restart activities need to follow Public Health restrictions which include a limit of 20 people gathering outdoors, indoor recreation facilities must follow 4 sq metre rule and only have up to 20 people, and masks are mandatory indoors in public spaces (excluding children under 12). There is information available here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/lockdown-lifted-parts-of-regional-nsw
20 August 2021
The NSW Government has made a range of announcements concerning the current COVID-19 outbreak including extension of lockdowns until the end of September for Greater Sydney, Shellharbour and Central Coast to now come under Regional NSW restrictions, and a nightly curfew for LGA hotspot areas. Scouts NSW continue to advise that all Scouting activities across NSW need to comply with the relevant current Public Health orders and information from NSW Health.
12 July 2021
Following the announcement of the extension of COVID-19 lockdown provisions for the Greater Sydney/Central Coast/Blue Mountains, Wollongong and Shellharbour areas, Scouts NSW will follow the advice of NSW Health with the following effect:
1. In Greater Sydney (including the local government areas of the Central Coast, the City of Shellharbour and the City of Wollongong) until further notice, Scouting activities may only take place by Video Conferencing (e.g. Teams/ Zoom) because of the Direction of the Minister in Clause 20 of the Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021 that a person must not, without reasonable excuse be away from their place of residence.
2. In other parts of NSW, Scouting may continue provided that:
a) appropriate physical distancing requirements are complied with;
b) the relevant COVID-19 Safety Plans (for indoor or outdoor gatherings) have been prepared in accordance with the Public Health (COVID-19 Gathering Restrictions) Order (No 2) and is in the possession of the organiser and that masks are worn by all persons over the age of 12 years (as required by Clause 17 of Public Health (COVID-19 Temporary Movement and Gathering Restrictions) Order 2021) – YES, even outside!
c) There is detailed information on Scouts’ COVID-19 Safe policies and procedures, and resources here.
3. QR codes (using the Service NSW QR code service) are now mandatory for all indoor and outdoor recreation facilities (from 12 July). Information on setting up a QR code and resources for displaying it at all venues is available here.
Virtual Scouting
Leaders who are planning virtual Scouting activities can find resources from Scouting@Home here. These resources will be added to as soon as possible. Leaders can share their ideas here
