Sydney Residents Told Not to ‘Engage in Conversation’ Amid Lockdown

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian at a press conference to provide a COVID-19 update in Sydney, Australia, on July 19, 2021. Mick Tsikas - Pool/Getty Images

The chief health officer of the Australian state of New South Wales (NSW) has told residents not to talk to one another outside of the home amid a strict lockdown in Sydney.

“Whilst it is human nature to engage in conversation with others, to be friendly, unfortunately, this is not the time to do that,” NSW Chief Health Officer Dr. Kerry Chant told reporters on July 20.