Sydney has a wealth of beautiful public open spaces. We love our beaches, open spaces and parklands but it’s going to be a different kind of summer and we’ll have to work hard to keep these public spaces open, safe and welcoming places for the community. Australians remain safe and healthy each summer by swimming between the flags, applying the ‘Slip!, Slop!, Slap!, Seek!, Slide!’ principle, or checking the Fires-Near-Me app.

In the coming months, we need to adapt our usual summer rituals to include COVID-Safe practices: remember to keep a towel length (1.5m) between you and other beachgoers; look out for the circles when enjoying our parklands and respect the space of others by maintaining 1.5m physical distance; avoid crowded environments; limit outdoor gatherings to 100 persons; remember to wash your hands, and stay home if you’re unwell; wear a face mask when physical distancing can’t be maintained; ensure you have a COVID-Safe Plan for your business or community organisation; test and self-isolate — even if you have mild symptoms.

Download the NSW Government’s COVID Safe Summer Plan here