More big changes in the COVID-19 rules are coming to NSW tomorrow thanks to the high vaccination rate.
With 93% of the state’s eligible population being double jabbed, Premier Dominic Perrottet is easing restrictions as part of an updated road map. “The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer, providing a boost for some of our hardest (hit) industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with Covid,” he said.
From Wednesday, December 15th, face masks will only be required on public transport, on planes and at airports, and for any FOH hospitality staff who are unvaccinated. That’s a major change with face masks no longer required in taxis and ubers, although NSW Health still recommends wearing masks in these settings.
Check-in is also changing. You’ll only have to do this at “high risk” venues from tomorrow. QR codes will only be required at places like hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, pubs, small bars, and registered clubs.
Proof of vaccination will also no longer be a requirement for most things, including going to a restaurant or shopping at non-essential retail. It will remain in place for indoor music events with more than 1000 people and cruises with more than 100 passengers.
In terms of travel, international travellers coming to NSW who are fully vaccinated won’t need to self-isolate anymore. They must still do a PCR test, though, and provide their vaccination status. International travellers who aren’t double jabbed will still need to undergo the mandatory 14-days of quarantine upon arrival.
It will now be easier to get a table for a meal. Density limits will be scrapped for cafes and restaurants from tomorrow. They’ll also be removed for seated major events, music festivals with up to 20,000 people, and private events such as weddings and funerals.
You’ll now be able to have more people over to your home. There will no longer be a set number of visitors to a person’s home, and there’s also no limit on the number of people allowed to gather outdoors together. Visitors will now be allowed to residents in aged care facilities and disability homes, in line with their policies.
As for gyms? There will be no person limit in them, or at indoor recreation and sporting facilities. Indoor swimming pools will also be open for all purposes.
So enjoy these new freedoms, NSW folk. It’s great news just in time for Christmas.
For more on this topic, follow the Travel Observer.
