Christmas traditionally sees family and friends come together. But this year’s silly season could see serious limits on your guest numbers.

In a sign of the new ‘COVID-normal’ that we’re all coming to terms with, state and territory governments have put caps on the number of people you can entertain at home over the holiday season.

We explain how many guests can come to visit this Christmas.

Queensland

Queenslanders can celebrate the festive season with gatherings of 40-50 people in either homes or public spaces[i].

New South Wales

From 1 December 2020, up to 50 people can visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being used. If your home doesn’t have an open space such as a backyard, you’re limited to 30 guests[ii].

ACT

The ACT has no limit on household gatherings[iii].

Victoria

Up to 13 December, Victorians can host up to 15 people per day in their home.

Then, from the 13^th your guest list can expand to 30 people[iv]. Babies under 12 months won’t count towards the limits.  If you’d like to share your Christmas with extended family, think about heading outdoors. Gatherings in public places – like the park or beach, are limited to 50 people.

Tasmania

Tasmanians can host up to 40 people in their home at any one time, not including residents of the household[v].

South Australia

Up to ten people can share the spirit of the season in your home this Christmas[vi]. Guests should attempt to stay at least 1.5 metres apart unless they regularly mix with one another.

Western Australia

Western Australia has a 2-square-metre rule – the total number of people gathering at a home can't exceed more than 1 person per 2 square metres. The average WA home has floorspace of 240 square metres, so if this sounds like your place, you can welcome up to 120 guests.

Northern Territory

There's no limit to how many people you can bring together either indoors or outdoors, but social distancing is recommended[vii].

Of course, the overarching rules that have dominated our lives in 2020 still apply – if you’re feeling unwell, get tested, stay at home and explain to would-be visitors that it’s better to stay away.

As COVID ‘hotspots’ can crop up unexpectedly, check the COVID information page of your state/territory government for the latest limits on guests to your home.

[i] https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/movements-gatherings

[ii] https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules#:~:text=Increased%20visitors%20at%20a%20residence,residence%20has%20no%20outdoor%20area.

[iii] https://www.covid19.act.gov.au/what-you-can-do

[iv] https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/updates/coronavirus-covid-19/statement-premier-22-november-2020

[v] https://www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au/families-community/current-restrictions#:~:text=and%20physical%20distancing.-,Households,on%20gatherings%20and%20household%20visits.

[vi] https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/activities-and-gatherings#everyone

[vii] https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/covid19-restriction-checker/gatherings-and-work/nt