Further easing of restrictions from Dec 15

The NSW Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions after the State reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target or 15 December, whichever comes first.

Adjustments to previous settings scheduled for this milestone include:

• Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated (previously all indoors front-of-house hospitality staff regardless of vaccination status). Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance;
• No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm);
• COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW;
• QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged 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), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people; and
• Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (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.

With more than 92 per cent of people in the state over 16 now vaccinated ahead of the summer festive season, NSW is continuing to take a responsible and measured approach to reopening.

The Central Coast’s double vaccination rates

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions was only possible because NSW is amongst the highest vaccinated populations in the world and the introduction of the booster shot program.

“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,”

Premier Dominic Perrottet

“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.” said Mr Perrottet

The NSW Government will continue to review the roadmap settings and make any appropriate changes based on the current case numbers and vaccination rates.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said COVID booster shots would be an important part of keeping the community safe through the summer and new year.

“If you had your second COVID vaccination jab six months or more ago, you should book a booster right now. Don’t’ forget if you haven’t been vaccinated at all go and get the jab to protect yourself and your family,” Mr Hazzard said.

People aged 18 years and older can receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the COVID-19 vaccines registered for use in Australia. You can book your COVID-19 vaccine or your booster shot, via www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/vaccination/get-vaccinated. 

_{Verified information source: media release office of the Premier, Nov 25, 2021}