Fully vaccinated people in NSW will regain many freedoms when the state reaches 70 per cent double-dose coverage in an exit plan out of lockdown.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian unveiled the plan to ease restrictions as the state recorded 1405 cases and five deaths.
Parts of regional NSW are preparing to already be released from lockdown while Sydney’s rules will be relaxed and a police crackdown will begin winding up from October.
That’s when the state government expects double-dose vaccination coverage in NSW to reach 70 per cent.
The NSW government said it would not put a specific date on this change, with freedoms to be restored the Monday after the milestone is reached.
These freedoms will only be for the fully vaccinated.
They include hospitality venues like pubs reopening, subject to the 4sqm rule, as well as personal services like hairdressers, gyms, and pools.
Cinemas, theatres, museums and galleries can also reopen, and up to 50 vaccinated guests can attend church services, weddings and funerals.
Stadiums can again host events, capped at 5000 people, and up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
People will be allowed up to five visitors inside a home where all adults are vaccinated, and up to 20 people gathering in indoor settings.
Travel to regional NSW for the fully vaccinated will also be permitted again.
The unvaccinated may only access critical retail outlets such as supermarkets.
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“You have been warned — come forward and get vaccinated or you won’t be able to participate,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian told reporters.
Former federal MP and Sydney publican Craig Laundy expects the forthcoming changes will require his staff and customers to be fully vaccinated.
Outdoor gatherings of up to five fully immunised people will be allowed from Monday outside Sydney’s hotspot areas.
There are currently 1175 COVID-19 patients in hospital in NSW, with 202 in intensive care and 80 ventilated.
Lockdowns will also from Saturday be lifted for parts of regional NSW deemed low risk, but not for large swathes of western NSW.
