Let’s get ready to reopen! NSW COVID roadmap to freedom unveiled.
NSW is on track to reopen progressively from 11th October 2021, with vaccinations rates quickly reaching the NSW Government 70% double-dose vaccination target. A range of restrictions will be eased when the 70% fully vaccinated target is reached.
Find out what this means for your business and family below.
Gatherings in the home and public spaces:
- Up to 5 visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under).
- Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:
- Hospitality venues can reopen subject to 1 person per 4 sq.m inside and 1 person per 2 sq.m outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
- Retail stores can reopen under the 1 person per 4 sq.m rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail).
- Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with 1 person per 4 sq.m, capped at 5 clients per premises.
- Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the 1 person per 4 sq.m rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
- Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:
- Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with 1 person per 4sqm, capped at 5000 people.
- Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
- Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with 1 person per 4 sq.m or 75% fixed seated capacity.
Weddings, funerals and places of worship:
- Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
- Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
- Churches and places of worship to open subject to 1 person per 4 sq.m rule, with no singing.
Travel:
- Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted.
- Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
- Carpooling will be permitted.
Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.
Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so.
There will be revised guidance on isolation for close and casual contacts who are fully vaccinated, with details to be provided closer to the reopening date.
Masks:
- Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
- Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.
For more information on the COVID-19 restrictions and easing visit here.
