NSW Covid rule changes for masks, QR codes, venue limits

Changes to density limits, masks, QR code check-ins and hospitality staff rules have been decided. Read the details.

All density limits will be scrapped, QR-code check-in requirements will be wound back and vaccinated hospitality staff will be freed from wearing masks under a further acceleration of the state’s reopening road map.

The changes will come into effect from December 15, or when the state passes the 95 per cent vaccination threshold, whichever comes first.

And, in a significant change, students who are deemed ‘close contacts’ of a Covid case at school won’t need to isolate.

From November 29, students deemed a close contact of a positive case will only need to get a PCR test as soon as possible.

If the PCR test is negative, the student may return to school immediately, so long as they provide negative rapid antigen tests for the next week.

Schools won’t need to close to contact-trace a Covid case, except in certain circumstances if there are multiple cases at a school or if there are complex settings in place.

Front-of-house hospitality staff will only need to wear masks if they are unvaccinated.

Masks will continue to be required on public transport, planes, and at airports – in line with the existing reopening plans.

Claudia Martin and Mya Shiagetz, from Sutherland, with their masks in Pitt Street Mall, Sydney, today. Picture: Justin Lloyd.

Schools won’t need to close for deep cleaning because the enhanced cleaning currently in place is sufficient.

Singing, chanting, and playing of wind instruments will also be allowed to resume in schools.

The change to December 15 reopening rules will allow venues to abandon the two square metre rule entirely, and patrons will only need to sign in to certain settings.

QR code check-ins will continue to be required at hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services, certain hospitality settings, and large indoor music festivals.

“The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with Covid,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said.

Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres said the updated plans will be a boost for businesses ahead of the Christmas period.

“I want to encourage everyone to go out and support NSW businesses – whether it’s a meal out, booking a regional trip or holiday shopping at your favourite local store, this is a prime time to enjoy the new freedoms and help NSW businesses bounce back.