Covid restrictions ease, as NSW marked its 25th day of zero community transmission.

Further restrictions in NSW are being relaxed from today as NSW has gone 25 days without community transmission.  Masks are still mandatory on public transport, in taxis and rideshare vehicles.

NSW hospitality venues will be allowed twice as many customers from Friday while Queensland and South Australia tighten their borders in response to Victoria’s growing COVID-19 cluster.

From midnight Friday, venues can welcome one person per two square metre and staff can do away with masks.

Gyms will not be included in the relaxation due to being deemed a high risk setting for the spread of the virus.

The following measures will be effective from 12:01am Friday, 12 February for the Greater Sydney region including Wollongong, Central Coast and Blue Mountains:

• 1 person per 2 square metres will apply at all venues, except for gyms. Weddings and funerals will still be subject to a 300 person cap.
• Masks will only be mandatory on public transport, but will strongly be encouraged in other indoor venues where social distancing is not possible.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is about striking the balance between keeping the economy going and boosting jobs whilst ensuring COVID-19 is kept under control. 

“We want to continue to give the community and businesses the confidence to move forward, especially with the expansion of the 2 square metres rule which will allow most venues to double their capacity,” Ms Berejiklian said.

“However, as we ease restrictions it is important we don’t let our guard down – the community needs to continue to play their role in being COVID Safe and coming forward for testing with even the mildest of symptoms.” 

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said restrictions could be eased thanks to the great work of the people of NSW who have followed social distancing guidelines and continued to get tested.

“It is vital people continue to maintain their social distance, come forward for testing, don’t go to work if they’re unwell and wear a mask where they cannot guarantee social distancing,” Mr Hazzard said. 

Dr Kerry Chant said we cannot become complacent when it comes to COVID-19 despite there being no recent cases of community transmission. 

“We need to continue to practice COVID-Safe behaviours and stay home and get tested if unwell,” Dr Chant said.