To manage the continued spread of COVID-19, the New South Wales government have announced a number of restrictions for fans planning to attend A-League games in the state.
The restrictions will remain in place between January 8 and 31, starting with the Matchweek 3 fixture between Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Complying with government restrictions on COVID-19 is necessary for all fans attending A-League matches in NSW at this time.
Read on for a comprehensive guide to adhering to the rules and restrictions instilled by the NSW government for fans planning to attend A-League games throughout January, to ensure you have a fun, and most importantly safe time in the stands supporting your side as the 2020/21 campaign rolls on.
To help prevent the spread of COVID-19 restrictions are in place for A-League Games under a Public Health Order. The following rules and restrictions will commence on 8 Jan 2021 until 31 Jan 2021.
For more information on restrictions, please visit: https://t.co/knnh3wyGb8 pic.twitter.com/KXAnwvc6H4
— NSW Health (@NSWHealth) January 8, 2021
What are the major changes?
Firstly, as of January 8, 2021, all spectators at any A-League games in NSW must wear a face mask.
You may remove your face covering if you are:
- eating or drinking
- communicating with another person who is deaf or hard of hearing
- asked to remove your face mask to confirm your identity
- in an emergency situation
- receiving medical treatment
- working at the venue but not interacting with members of the public
- working at the venue but the nature of your work makes the wearing of a fitted face covering is a risk to yours or another person’s health and safety, or means clear enunciation or visibility of your mouth is essential.
You must replace your face covering as soon as it is practicable to do so.
Do I have to wear a face mask?
Not every patron at any A-League match in NSW has to wear a face mask.
Wearing a face mask is compulsory for all fans, unless:
- You are aged 12 years or under
- You have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, that makes wearing a fitted face covering unsuitable including, for example, a skin condition, an intellectual disability, autism or trauma
- You are a player or a match or team official at the major sporting event.
Masks should not be worn by toddlers under 2 years of age and babies, as they are a choking and suffocation risk.
Secondly, residents of affected areas in Greater Sydney are not permitted to attend any A-League match in NSW between January 8 and 31.
These affected areas are:
- Auburn
- Belmore
- Berala
- Birrong
- Lidcombe
- Potts Hill
- Regents Park
- Rookwood
- Wentworthville
- The northern area of the Northern Beaches
But living in the affected areas is not the only reason fans will not be permitted to attend A-League matches in NSW.
You are also unable to attend any A-League matches in NSW if:
- You stayed overnight or worked in an affected area at any time in the 14 days before the event
- You have, at any time during the previous 14 days, been to a COVID-19 case locations venue
- You have, at any time during the previous 14 days, been to a public exposure site in Victoria
What happens if I don’t comply with the NSW government’s restrictions?
Penalties apply for breaching the public health orders between January 8 and 21.
Not wearing a face mask could induce an on the spot $200 fine, and anyone who attends from an affected area or a confirmed COVID-19 case location is at risk of a $1000 fine.
