Get ready to put on your dancing shoes because as of Monday, March 29, there will be no restrictions on dancing at pubs, nightclubs, and weddings across the Central Coast and NSW.
Venues still have to abide by social distancing rules, with at least 25 people allowed before they have to comply with the one person per 2sqm rule.
The Sunken Monkey Hotel General Manager, Sean Wagstaff, said this recent easing of restrictions would make managing the venue easier.
“It is really good news as it has been a massive year for the industry,” Wagstaff said.
“There have been hard times, and it has been difficult to keep up with all of the changes.
“It will definitely be good to let people enjoy themselves by listening to live music.
“It also means we can start planning for events in the future.”
The venue is hoping to start up an old school/commercial night on Saturday nights for an older crowd, although Wagstaff said he would not forget about the youngins.
“Through COVID, we realised the venue did well without the nightclub, so we have decided to move away from this a little,” he said.
“We will still hold night club nights once a month.”
In addition to the dancing rule, masks will become not compulsory for public transport, moving from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended.
Weddings and funerals will no longer be restricted, with singing allowed including in places of worship.
There will be no cap on visitors in the home, however, if there are more than 100 people, there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details.
A cap of 200 people can be at personal outdoor public gatherings, and 100 per cent seated capacity at entertainment venues, including stadiums and theatres, is allowed.
Businesses and other organisations still need to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery.
“With no community transmission and our quarantine and frontline workers now receiving their second vaccinations, the timing is right to further ease restrictions across the State,” Berejiklian said.
“As we do this, it is important we don’t let our guard down and continue to check-in at venues, keep our social distance and get tested if we have even the mildest of symptoms.”
Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet, said the further lifting of restrictions would help support businesses and jobs across the state.
“Today, we take another big stride in the right direction, easing restrictions is important in helping businesses return to normal, it’s like a jab of confidence for the economy,” Perrottet said.
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, said the further easing of restrictions was possible due to the support and sacrifices of the people of NSW.
“The initial focus of our vaccination program on frontline quarantine, border and healthcare workers has also given us greater confidence as it reduces the risk of COVID being introduced into the community from an overseas source,” Hazzard said.
Dr Chant said it is critical that everyone practice COVID-safe behaviours, including using QR codes, staying home if unwell and getting tested.
“I also urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and able to do so.
“It will not only protect you, your family and loved ones, but will keep the whole community safe,” Dr Chant said.
These new restrictions are in place from 12.01 am, Monday, March 29.
Jacinta Counihan