MUSEUMS, GALLERIES AND LIBRARIES TO REOPEN FROM 1 JUNE

PUBS, CLUBS, RESTAURANTS AND CAFES TO OPEN TO 50 PATRONS

Museums, galeries and libraries across NSW will be allowed to reopen from 1 June under an easing of restrictions announced by the NSW Government.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this was another important step forward in the reopening of NSW.

“We cautiously invite our cultural institutions and libraries across NSW to re-open from June 1, but with strict new protocols in place,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“NSW is home to some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums and I look forward to them reopening to the public. I would encourage museums, galleries and libraries to be innovative to ensure strict social distancing is adhered to and good hygiene measures are followed.”

NSW Health will provide guidance to ensure the museums, galleries and libraries operate in a COVID-19 safe way, including exclusion of staff and visitors who are unwell, limiting the number of guests to allow for 4 square metres per person, providing distance markers for people queuing at service points and no groups or tours. Read the full media release.

Museums and Galleries of NSW has compiled a resource for institutions planning to re-open to the public to assist in the process.

The NSW Government will also allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers, subject to a one person per four square metre rule, and with strict social distancing guidelines from 1 June.

“This decision has been made with expert health advice and both businesses and patrons will be subject to strict rules and guidelines,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“All customers must be seated and no bookings of more than 10 allowed, in addition to many other conditions which must be met.”

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the Government was moving to swiftly and safely get businesses back in business and people back to work.

“There are about 280,000 people employed in this sector of the economy and allowing venues to safely cater for more customers will provide another boost to business and jobs," Mr Perrottet said.

The NSW Government has liaised exhaustively with both AHA and ClubsNSW to deliver this plan.

All venues must ensure social distancing and will need to develop a COVID Safety Plan consistent with NSW Health guidelines

Patrons have been advised to check with the venue before attending to ensure they will be able to attend. Read the full media release.