NSW Government

Planning COVID Safe major events

The NSW Government is working to ensure a safe and viable return for major sports, cultural and community events, when possible.

Be COVID Safe. Stay in business.

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Stay informed

Venues and event organisers are encouraged to stay informed about the rules related to gatherings, behaviour and public places, and current public health orders. 

Major Events Taskforce

The Major Events Taskforce supports a COVID Safe return to large-scale sports, cultural and community events for the people of NSW.

The Major Events Taskforce is considering how major events can safely recommence. This will likely involve a staged approach to the types of venues and activities that are able to recommence, subject to public health considerations.

Established in September 2020, the Taskforce is led by the Deputy Premier, the Treasurer and the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney.

News and updates

Greater capacity at theatres, cinemas and corporate events

Entertainment facilities including theatres, cinemas and concert halls across NSW will be able to increase their capacity to 50 per cent and corporate events at function centres will be able to welcome up to 300 attendees from next week.

Launch of COVID safe summer plan

A new plan will ensure NSW residents can get out and about this summer in a COVID-safe way, while keeping the economy moving.

Stadiums and economy to benefit from increased capacity

Based on updated health advice, major sporting events at selected Sydney stadiums can increase crowds from 25% to 50% capacity (up to a maximum of 40,000 spectators) from 1 October 2020.

Exemption requests

Public events and activities will only be permitted if they comply with current public health orders or have received an exemption.

The Minister for Health or a delegate may grant an exemption to this order or specified provisions of the public health order.

Exemptions can only be considered where there are exceptional circumstances.

Exemptions can only be considered for events and activities proposed to occur during the period of the current public health order, which expires 24 December 2020.

To apply for an exemption or for information regarding exemptions for major events under the current public health order please complete the online contact form on the NSW Health website.

Complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan

If you are planning an event that is allowed to proceed under the current rules, complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan.

COVID-19 Safety Plans are comprehensive checklists designed by NSW Health and approved by the Chief Health Officer.

The plans provide clear directions on how businesses and organisations should fulfil their obligations under public health orders to minimise risk of transmission of COVID-19.

Under public health orders, the following venues must complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan: 

For a full list of venues that require a COVID Safety Plan see the current public health order.

Businesses and organisations not listed in the order are encouraged to complete a COVID-19 Safety Plan voluntarily.

Related information

Links

Last updated: 21 October 2020

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