Unpacking COVID rules: exercise and outdoor recreation in the Southern Highlands and Southern Tablelands

That's why this series of articles will unpack and clear up aspects of the rules as they apply to the Wingecarribee Shire and Goulburn City LGAs, starting with exercise and outdoor recreation.

What is classified as exercise and outdoor recreation?

Exercise and outdoor recreation is a reasonable excuse to leave home in the both LGAs.

A NSW Health spokesperson explained the rules as follows:

"Exercise is an activity that requires some kind of physical activity that can help maintain or improve health, such as running or walking whereas recreation includes leisure activities such as sitting for relaxation, or to eat, drink or read outdoors."

This means you can sit down at a park bench for a coffee or sunbake on the river bank as long as you are social distancing and following gathering rules.

There are no time limits on exercise or outdoor recreation in the Wingerribee Shire or Goulburn Mulwaree areas.

Read more: NSW's new COVID rules around travel explained

Where am I permitted to travel to for purposes of exercise or outdoor recreation?

Anywhere within the Shoalhaven Local Government Area.

You can cross into another LGA for exercise or outdoor recreation but only if that allows you to stay within 5km of your home.

Who can I exercise and partake in outdoor recreation with?

Gathering outdoors for exercise or outdoor recreation is limited to two people but if you live with more than two other people, you can all go out together for exercise.

You can exercise with one other person you do not live with or your nominated 'singles bubble' visitor.

In the Shoalhaven, people who live alone may nominate another person to visit their home - although that person must also reside in the Shoalhaven LGA. Registration of your nominated person is not required in the Shoalhaven.

Read more: The Informer: Clarity, compassion in short supply 18 months into COVID pandemic

Facemasks and ID must be with you

When you leave home to exercise you must carry a face mask and identification with you at all times.

Mask wearing outside is mandatory across the state, except when exercising.

You must show your proof of address if asked by the NSW Police.

Police Deputy Commissioner Gary Worboys said walking was good enough exercise to justify leaving your mask off.

He strongly advised masks be put back on when social distancing could not be maintained, such as on a busy street or walking track.

Face masks must be worn at indoor or outdoor areas of a fresh food market, and outdoors next to or near food, drink and retail premises including;

Those over 18 who do not wear or carry a facemask can be given a $500 on-the-spot fine, with $80 or $40 penalties in place for younger age groups.

Masks should not be worn by toddlers under 2 years of age and babies, as they are a choking and suffocation risk.

Children 12 years and under are exempt but are encouraged to wear masks where practicable.

Read more: Barilaro flags Thursday for regional lockdown update

Carpooling

You are not permitted to share a car with someone outside of your household unless it is for an emergency, a compassionate reason, to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person or if the car is being used as a taxi or rideshare.

Carpooling to get to a place of recreation or exercise is not allowed unless you are sharing the car with people from your household or with your nominated 'singles bubble' visitor.

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