Public health orders can change fast and there will be a delay in updating this information if changes occur outside of normal work hours. If the government announces new requirements over and above Scouting restrictions, it is these government restrictions that will apply. Links to NSW Health ‘What You Can and Can’t Do’ and ‘Case Locations' are provided on the Scouting Guide to COVID-19 Home page here.
Current Restrictions:
COVID-19 restrictions are in force in many parts of NSW, and restrictions are changing rapidly due to the Delta variant. Scout groups should monitor the NSW Government COVID-19 information for the current restrictions and follow them accordingly.
Scouts have detailed plans in place for the safe operation of Scouting activities when restrictions lift.
Latest Updates
10 September 2021:
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.
15 July 2021:
Restrictions on Scout meetings and activities:
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 (g. Teams/ Zoom).
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 and that masks are worn by all persons over the age of 12 years
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.
28 June 2021:
- Hornsby Gang Show has unfortunately been cancelled – see the website for more information.
- Cumberland Gang Show – please see their website for an update
The NSW state office will be following the guidelines with staff working from home and contactable online.
26 June 2021:
New COVID-19 restrictions have come into force with Stay-at-home orders for Greater Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong/Shellharbour, and more general restrictions for regional NSW.
These restrictions will impact on Scout activities accordingly. Scouts will follow the guidance of NSW Health as found on their website.
Scouts have a detailed plan in place for the safe operation of Scouting Activities when restrictions lift – and that is detailed below and will resume after State Government advice changes.
23 June 2021:
The State Government has today, Wednesday 23 June, introduced new restrictions due to the rise in COVID numbers in Sydney. This information is outlined on the NSW Health website.
These restrictions will have obvious impacts on Scouting activity and the advice is as follows:
Training Courses: Because of the rapid development with this outbreak and uncertainties surrounding the next few days, the decision has been made to cancel the following three State-run courses:
- Scouting Adventure Course – 1st Toongabbie
- Scouting Essentials Course – 2nd Northmead
- Scouting Essentials Course – Heathcote Scout Camp
Participants will be contacted with details of rescheduled training dates.
Organisers of any other courses planned for the next week are recommended to review the State government restrictions and act accordingly.
Gang Shows: At the time of writing, Hornsby Gang Show will proceed. However, due to the fast changing situation, please monitor the Gang Show website for updates.
Scouting Activities: We recommend that the organisers of all other Scouting activities (for at least one week from 23 June) follow these guidelines -
- If participants live or work in one of the listed LGA areas, they cannot travel to Scout activities outside of the Sydney metropolitan area (in line with the government restrictions)
- All Scouting activities in Greater Sydney, the Central Coast, Blue Mts, Wollongong and Shellharbour need to follow key advice with regards to mask wearing and the four square metre rule.
We recommend that leaders and participants regularly check the NSW Health advice as it may change at short notice.
24 May 2021:
The Scouts NSW COVID-19 task force met recently to review and discuss the NSW Government's guidelines and recommendations for overnight accomodation including camping or bunk rooms.
Following the unchanged NSW Government's advice, Scouts NSW strongly recommends a 1.5 meter spacing between people where feasible. This includes in sleeping accommodations such as tents and bunkrooms.
Scout NSW Guidance for Overnight Activities during COVID-19 has been prepared to assist you, including tent camping, indoors accommodation and the preparation of food.
10 May 2021:
The NSW Premier has announced the extension of COVID-19 restrictions to 12:01am Monday 17 May. See 6 May update below for further information.
6 May 2021:
The NSW Premier has announced the temporary tightening of COVID-19 restrictions across the Greater Sydney area including Wollongong, the Central Coast and the Blue Mountains. This comes after the latest cases of community transmission. For a full list of restrictions effective until 12:01am, Monday 10 May click here.
If you have an outdoor or indoor activity scheduled over the coming days, consider keeping youth members in their home Patrols/Units and practice good hygiene and physical distancing measures. Leaders at bases should also maintain social distancing as much as practical.
Leaders and Supporters are advised to follow the NSW Government's rules and guidelines. As we have observed in recent times, restrictions may change without notice depending on case locations so continue to check the NSW Health website. You may be required to respond quickly should circumstances change.
