The NSW Government has announced an update to the roadmap for the easing of COVID restrictions in the state.
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The announcement said restrictions would ease further when NSW either reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target or on December 15, whichever comes first.
The following changes to restrictions relating to masks, density limits, proof of vaccination status and QR check-ins were announced by the NSW Government:
Masks
Under the new roadmap, masks would only be required on public transport and planes, at airports and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated, although masks will be "strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance.
Businesses
The state government said when the new milestone is reached there will be no density limits in place where previously a limit of one person per 2sm was to be enforced.
COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses when the milestone is reached and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.
Check-Ins
QR code check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including:
- Hospitals
- Aged care and disability care facilities
- Gyms
- Places of worship
- Funerals or memorial services
- Personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons)
- Limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs)
- Indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people
Proof of Vaccination
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities, however businesses can still require proof at their own discretion.
Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people in attendance.
NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of COVID restrictions was only possible due to the state having one of the highest rates of vaccination in the world and the introduction of a vaccination booster program to be administered by NSW Health.
"We're leading the world when it comes to vaccinations and that is a tremendous achievement we can all be proud of because it has allowed us to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible," Mr Perrottet said.
"The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer, providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID."
NSW Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said COVID booster shots would be an important part of keeping members of the community safe.
"If you had your second COVID vaccination jab six months or more ago, you should book a booster right now," Mr Hazzard said.
"If you haven't been vaccinated at all go and get the jab to protect yourself and your family.
"By stepping up for a jab and a booster shot you help protect yourself and everyone around you, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and young children who aren't yet eligible for vaccinations."
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said the state's updated roadmap was a staged and considered approach which ensured regional areas of NSW could welcome back visitors in a COVID safe way.
"Regional NSW is open for business thanks to high vaccination rates right across the state," Mr Toole said.
The Government said it would continue to review the state's COVID roadmap settings and make "any appropriate changes based on the current case numbers and vaccination rates".