Central Coast residents are looking forward to a further relaxation of COVID-19 health orders on December 15 when NSW is expected to have reached the 95 per cent double vaccination target.
From December 15, 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.
They will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance.
There will be no density limits (previously the rule was one person per 2sqm) and 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 (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.
Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion) but will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.
As the state approaches the 95 per cent mark, NSW Health is rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months or more ago.
Premier, Dominic Perrottet, said the easing of restrictions was only possible because NSW is among the highest vaccinated populations in the world.
“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,” 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.”
Perrottet said plans to ease restrictions from December 15 would proceed despite the advent of the Omicron variant.
Deputy Premier, Paul Toole, said the roadmap was a staged and considered approach which ensured regional NSW was able to welcome back visitors in a COVID safe way.
“Regional NSW is open for business thanks to high vaccination rates right across the state,” he said.
“I’d remind visitors to … be respectful and ensure they are abiding by safety measures, which include wearing masks on public transport, planes and at airports.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism, Stuart Ayres, said the updated plans for the next stage of the roadmap were great news for businesses still impacted by the remaining restrictions.
“I want to encourage everyone to go out and support NSW businesses – whether it’s a meal out, booking a regional trip or holiday shopping at your favourite local store, this is a prime time to enjoy the new freedoms and help NSW businesses bounce back.”
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.
“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,” he said.
“We will also need to continue to get tested if we develop COVID symptoms, regardless of vaccination status, and continue to follow public health advice.”
More information about the next stage of easing of restrictions is available at nsw.gov.au.
Source:
Media release, Nov 26
NSW Government
Image used in this article thanks to Custom Neo