NSW Premier outlines roadmap to freedom amid cases surge

NSW has recorded another massive surge in cases, reporting 1405 cases and five people lost their lives as Premier Gladys Berejiklian is outlining the state’s roadmap to freedom.

Under the plan, some of stay-at-home restrictions, which have been in place in Greater Sydney since June 26 would ease when 70 per cent of people aged 16 and above are fully vaccinated.

Ms Berejiklian said an easing of restrictions would be announced for the Monday following the date NSW gets to 70 per cent double dose coverage.

“I also want to stress there isn’t a specific date,” Ms Berejiklian said, after the date of October 18 was widely published on media. However At the current rate that target is projected to be met on October 18, which is a Monday.

The state is well on its way to its 70 per cent double dose vaccination goal - after 75 per cent of people received their first jab  prompting NSW’s cabinet to confirm last night that October 18 would be the day NSW gets to 70 per cent double dose coverage and restaurants, bars and retail would open for fully vaccinated people.

Ms Berejiklian said while the state hoped to ease restrictions in October, she warned that any potential rewards would only be afforded to fully vaccinated people.

“You have been warned, if you're not vaccinated, come forward and get the vaccine, otherwise you won't be able to participate in the many freedoms that people have at 70 per cent vaccination.”

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.

The Premier said at 80 per cent double dose there will be further freedoms on the table including the prospect of international travel. 

The NSW Premier has said she aspires to see “Australians reunited with their families living overseas and interstate at Christmas time”.

She said that would be her “absolute goal and dream”, but  she would need both the federal government and other state and territory leaders to get on board in order to realise it.

But October and November will also be some of the most challenging months for NSW, with hospitalisations from Covid-19 projected to surge into the hundreds and put  pressure on the intensive care system.

The premier also said restrictions could also be re-introduced in suburbs, regions or towns if there was a surge in cases or an outbreak.

Folowing is the information in relation to easing of restrictions once vaccination targets are reached.

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)

Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings

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 one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.

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.

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
• 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 one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 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 one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity

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.