THE NSW Government will further ease rules for the vaccinated by bringing forward roadmap changes a month ahead of schedule.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said bringing forward the easing of restrictions, from December 1 to November 8, was only possible because of the state’s high vaccinations rates and the roll out of booster shots.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Mr Perrottet said.
“We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers.”
From November 8 there will be no limit on visitors to a home, no rules for outdoor gatherings with fewer than 1000 people, and indoor swimming pools will re-open for all purposes.
Businesses will be able to welcome in more fully vaccinated customers with all premises to move to one person per two square metre rule, and nightclubs will be able to re-open dancefloors.
Caps will be removed for settings other than gym and dance classes (where the 20 person cap for classes will remain) and replaced by density limits or 100 per cent fixed seated capacity for major recreation outdoor facilities (including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos) and entertainment facilities (including cinemas and theatres).
These freedoms will only be available for people who are fully vaccinated, including those who have medical exemptions and children under the age of 16.
Those who are not fully vaccinated must still abide by pre-roadmap restrictions until the state reaches the 95 per cent double vaccination target, or December 15, whichever happens first.
NSW Health has also commenced 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.
Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose.
“There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up,” Mr Perrottet said.
Deputy Premier Paul Toole said regional NSW had rolled up their sleeves for vaccinations and now ready to welcome back visitors.
“Regions across NSW answered the call when we asked them to come forward and get vaccinated,” he said.
“The time is right now for regional businesses to welcome back visitors safely in every town across the state and get tills turning over.”
More than 95 per cent of people aged 16 and over in the Murray River Council area are fully vaccinated, a milestone that was reached mid-October.
