SYDNEY, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 restrictions were further eased in Sydney on Wednesday, despite an additional case of the more contagious B117 virus variant linked to a hotel quarantine cluster in the Australian city.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said a third positive case had been reported at the quarantine hotel in Sydney, and appeared to be linked to a local security guard who tested positive last week.
"Overnight we did have an additional case. It was a person in the hotel on the same floor, on the 11th floor, the same floor as the guard as the overseas traveller who had the original virus," Berejiklian said.
The person is believed to have contracted the virus at the hotel, meaning they were classified as a locally acquired case -- the second in NSW in more than 50 days.
However with the risk to the public considered low due to the person already being in isolation, the state proceeded with a planned easing of restrictions on indoor venues, pubs and clubs.
"The person obviously is in quarantine and is already in isolation. Whilst every single case is a concern, it does not change anything here in Sydney," Berejiklian said.
"There are further easing of restrictions here in Sydney taking place and that will continue. Although as always, during a pandemic, we ask all of our citizens to be on high alert."
The new rules mean patrons will be allowed to stand up while drinking at venues, where previously they were required to be seated.
Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro said the new rules would help make the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Sydney much closer to normal.
"Our pubs and clubs have felt the impacts of COVID like nobody else," Barilaro said.
"Hopefully this further easing of restrictions will help them see the pint of Guinness at the end of the rainbow." Enditem
