NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian is urging people with even the mildest symptoms to come forward for COVID-19 testing over the weekend as the state's coronavirus restrictions are eased.
Millions of Australians are set to enjoy more freedoms over the weekend as COVID-19 restrictions are eased, but the rules are different in every state and territory.
In NSW the changes to restrictions now allow up to two adults and their dependent children to visit another household anywhere across the state.
"Please come forward even if you have the mildest symptoms," Ms Berejiklian said in Sydney.
"You don't need to wait until Monday. You could be unintentionally passing on the disease without knowing you have it."
Ms Berejiklian urged people to be cautious amid the eased restrictions, warning social distancing must still be maintained, particularly when visiting people aged over 70 or those with underlying health conditions.
There are now more than 3000 COVID-19 cases across the state, including 37 residents and 24 staff members at Newmarch House near Penrith in western Sydney.
Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant urged people in Penrith in particular to come forward for testing after authorities found coronavirus circulating in that area.
Meanwhile Dr Chant said the government would continue rolling out "rapid testing kits" capable of detecting the virus in just one hour, as opposed to the usual wait, which can take up to 48 hours.
These kits are being used in regional areas including Broken Hill, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour and Wagga Wagga.
"These have been in short supply and so we've had to ration them and prioritise our rural and regional places first," Dr Chant said.
"But as we've got a bit more secure supply — up around 600 a week — we're able to make it available more broadly."
As of Saturday afternoon 4 million Australians had downloaded the government's CovidSafe tracing app according to the federal Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. Source: AAP
"If you’ve been putting off downloading the app, please do it today. It's important as many people across Australia download the app," he told reporters in Canberra.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein said the state could soon reopen green spaces after bringing a COVID-19 outbreak in the northwest under control.
"I've already flagged that one of the areas that I'd like to see opened early would be our green spaces," he said on Saturday, when he confirmed no new cases had been recorded in the state.
"I think it's important that people can exercise."
The island state has allowed people to play golf and fish throughout the pandemic even while other states and territories have shut those activities down.
Mr Gutwein is confident about how the state is progressing in controlling coronavirus, but urged Tasmanians to not become complacent.
Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein. Source: AAP
Twelve of Tasmania's 13 COVID-19 deaths have been in the northwest, and two-thirds of an overall 221 cases have come from the outbreak in that region.
On Friday night, the state's chief health officer reported no new cases, but said vigilance remains high.
Extra restrictions placed over the northwest compared to the rest of the state - the closure of non-essential retailers and schools - will ease as of Monday.
In Queensland, Chief Health Officer Jeanette Young said it was crucial people continued to practice social distancing.
Non-essential travel is now allowed in the state, but there are still restrictions. Picnics, hikes and shopping for clothing and shoes are permitted, however all Queenslanders must stay within 50 kilometres of their home.
"Queenslanders are reminded to continue staying home as much as possible, and stay in their suburb when undertaking essential activities such as going to the supermarket or exercising," Dr Young said on Friday.
One new diagnoses of COVID-19 was confirmed in Queensland overnight, with health workers now having done 113,601 tests.
Just nine people have returned a positive test result for COVID-19 in the past week, while the statewide tally remains at 1034.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
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