The Monday after New South Wales (NSW) passes the 70 percent double vaccination target will see stadiums, gyms, aquatic centers, theaters, theme parks, and zoos among the venues that can reopen (with some restrictions still in place) to adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine as outlined recently in the NSW Government’s roadmap to freedom.
The ‘Australasian Leisure Management’ stated that only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to the freedoms allowed under the Reopening NSW roadmap.
Estimates predict NSW will reach 70 percent double-dose vaccination (of over-16s) by about October 19th, based on data from the seven-day average. If this is the date the target is reached, it is a Tuesday, so under the plan announced, the freedoms would come into effect six days later on the following Monday: October 25th.
The ‘Australasian Leisure Management’ further stated that the roadmap is subject to further finetuning and health advice if circumstances change drastically or if cases within a designated area remain too high with the NSW Health Minister, Brad Hazzard, stating that the Government will continue to be guided by the health advice, and may still require targeted restrictions to deal with outbreaks.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian advised that the Southeastern Australian State is well on its way to hitting the 70 percent double dose milestone which will allow the State to open up for those who have received both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Premier Berejiklian noted, “I cannot stress enough how important it is for people to get vaccinated – if you have not had both doses of the vaccine by the time we hit the 70 percent milestone, you will not be able to take advantage of these freedoms.”
The NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government has worked with the industry to design this roadmap – the biggest incentive to get vaccinated, to reach the 70 percent target as soon as possible.
The NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions would come as a huge relief to struggling businesses and workers, who just want to get their lives back on track safely, adding, “This roadmap gives us the light at the end of the tunnel we all want and will enable our economy to start firing again, driving our State back to prosperity.”
Minister Hazzard noted, “As we work toward reopening NSW, it is vital people continue to come forward and get vaccinated to help protect the community and reduce transmission of the virus.”
When NSW hits the 80 percent double dose target, the NSW Government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events, and other areas.
The freedoms for vaccinated adults will come into effect on the Monday after NSW hits the 70 percent double dose target and include:
Gatherings in the home and public spaces:
- Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under); and
- Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:
- Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside;
- Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail);
- Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises;
- Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people; and
- Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Stadiums, theaters and major outdoor recreation facilities:
- Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks, and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people;
- Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events; and
- Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theaters, music halls, museums, and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 percent 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; and
- Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.
Travel
- Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted;
- Caravan parks and camping grounds can open; and
- 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; and
- Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.
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