The state is rapidly approaching its next vaccination milestone, just three days into the reopening triggered on Monday after 70 per cent of eligible residents got both jabs.
Some 75.23 per cent of residents over 16 are fully vaccinated and 90.77 per cent have had at least one dose.
NSW could reach the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone by Sunday, setting the stage for the next phase in the state’s reopening next week.
At the 80 per cent vaxxed rate, the hated rule of wearing masks in office buildings would be revoked for vaccinated people - no doubt a relief for workers everywhere.
- Masks will be required for all staff and customers in all indoor settings including on public transport, planes and in airports (except children under the age of 12).
- Masks no longer required in office buildings (unvaccinated people must still wear a mask in the office).
- Masks no longer required in outdoor settings (except for front-of-house hospitality staff).
- COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination required for staff and customers.
“The success of our vaccination rate has been absolutely superb ... When we hit 80 per cent, we’ve always said it will be the Monday following,” Perrottet said.
The government’s COVID-19 and economic recovery committee - formerly known as crisis cabinet - will discuss tweaking the reopening roadmap on Thursday.
Perrottet could announce changes to regional travel restrictions and other restrictions on Friday.
80 per cent vaxxed rate unlocks these freedoms
Visiting family and friends
- Up to 20 visitors allowed in your home at any one time (visitor limits do not apply for children under the age of 12).
- Small outdoor gatherings and recreation permitted for up to 50 people (2-person limit for people not fully vaccinated).
- Visitors to residents in aged care facilities and disability homes permitted in line with their policies.
Exercise and recreation
- Gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities open with density limits and up to 20 people in classes.
- No distance limits apply for exercise or recreation.
- Indoor swimming pools open for swimming lessons, training and rehab activities.
- Community sports permitted for fully vaccinated staff, spectators and participants.
Schools
- Non-critical retail open with density limits (people who are not fully vaccinated can only access non-critical retail via Click & Collect).
- No customer limit for personal services (including hairdressers, spas, beauty and nail salons, tattoo and massage parlours), density limits apply.
- Sex services premises reopen.
Restaurants and hospitality
- Hospitality open with density limit for up to 20 people per booking (takeaway only for people who are not fully vaccinated).
- No singing indoors (except for performers).
- Dancing is permitted indoors and outdoors (except at nightclubs).
- Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing.
Working from home
- Employers allow staff to continue to work from home, if reasonably practicable.
- Employers require staff who are not fully vaccinated to work from home, if reasonably practicable.
Events and entertainment
- Major recreation facilities (including stadiums, theme parks, and race courses) open with density limits for up to 5000 people, or by exemption.
- Entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres) reopen with density limit or 75% fixed seated capacity.
- Information and education facilities (including art galleries, museums and libraries) reopen with density limits.
- COVID safe outdoor gatherings permitted for up to 200 people.
- Controlled outdoor public gatherings (for example – fenced, seated ticketed) permitted for up to 3000 people with density limit.
- Nightclubs and strip clubs reopen with seated drinking and no dancing.
Weddings and religious services
- Wedding ceremonies permitted with no person limit (5-person limit for people who are not fully vaccinated), density limit still applies.
- Wedding receptions permitted with no person limits (not permitted for people who are not fully vaccinated), eating and drinking while standing, and dancing is permitted, density limit still apply.
- Funerals permitted with no person limit (10-person limit for people who are not fully vaccinated) and eating and drinking allowed while standing, density limits still apply.
- Places of worship reopen for people who are not fully vaccinated with density limits.
- Up to 10 fully vaccinated singers may perform in places of worship and at religious services.
Travel and transport
- No distance limits for travel.
- Travel for holidays permitted across all NSW (not permitted for people who are not fully vaccinated). This includes between Greater Sydney and regional LGAs.
- Carpooling permitted (restrictions remain for people who are not fully vaccinated).
- Caravan parks and camping grounds open (including people who are not fully vaccinated).
