NSW Covid: 70 per cent double-vaccination target reached

A leading epidemiologist says there are some low-risk freedoms NSW residents should be granted for this weekend, before Freedom Day Monday, after the state smashed its 70 per cent double vaccination target.

The magic 70 per cent vaccination threshold has been met — but Premier Dominic Perrottet will keep the weekend cancelled, preventing Sydneysiders from going to the pub or visiting loved ones at home until Monday.

The state’s Covid crisis cabinet met for the final time last night in its current form to review whether some freedoms could be brought forward.

“There’s an opportunity for some changes (to the road map),” Mr Perrottet said on Wednesday.

The Premier confirmed the 70 per cent threshold had been met last night. “This is great news and (a) big step closer to a full reopening and a proper summer,” he said.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet says there will be some changes to the state’s road map to Covid freedom. Picture: Getty Images

But there will be no change to the reopening date, with lockdown still set to end on Monday.

However, granting some low-risk freedoms over the weekend, like visiting family and friends in their backyard, would provide better health outcomes than reopening all at once, according to a leading epidemiologist.

Hospitality venues also wanted the opportunity to reopen as quickly as possible. Mr Perrottet did reveal one change to the road map last night that is sure to be welcomed by parents.

Kids’ swimming lessons will be allowed to start again in indoor pools from Monday.

A decision was made to fast-track the reopening of indoor pools for lessons, rehabilitation and squad training. Previously that was going to be allowed when 80 per cent of the population was double-jabbed.

There is still hope that certain other freedoms will be reinstated earlier, include opening venues like amusement centres and nightclubs at the 80 per cent vaccination threshold.

Emily Evans, 29, pictured with her four-year-old daughter Zaylah, was vaccinated on Wednesday.

Arun D and Reshma Bhandari are vaccinated.

A requirement to wear a mask while inside at work until December 1 may also change, and ­discussions about the back-to-school plan were expected. But the NSW government still doesn’t know the vaccination status of the teaching workforce, complicating any push to get kids back into the classroom earlier.

Mr Perrottet indicated the date at which unvaccinated people would be able to access freedoms will not move from December 1.

The Premier announced an overhaul of the state government’s crisis cabinet on Wednesday night, tasking the group with an increased focus on economic recovery.

The cabinet committee will be renamed the “Covid and Economic Recovery Committee”, and will get more regular advice from economic advisers like the state’s chief economist.

Beatrix Taylor, 13, with her mother Vicky Taylor, was vaccinated.

Di Wang, 25, has been vaccinated.

“We need to ensure that our focus remains on keeping people safe and continuing to strive for above 90 per cent vaccination rates,” Mr Perrottet said. “Alongside this we must have a sharp focus on how we support businesses and ensure people return to work and give the NSW economy the best chance of bouncing back.”

Skills Minister Geoff Lee said bosses should be able to recall workers to the office at 80 per cent, adding: “Bosses should have the opportunity to tell people to come back to work, when appropriate and safe.”

Deputy Premier Paul Toole, who was sworn in on Wednesday, knocked back calls to bring forward “freedom day”, stating businesses would not be ready. “They’ve got to ensure that they’ve actually got the supplies, they’ve got the produce,” he said.

“We’re only talking a difference of a few days and it’s about making sure our communities are safe.”

Chef Luke Mangan agreed that certain restaurants would not be able to open at such short notice. But venues which are ready to go would welcome any extra days of trading.

Southwestern Sydney GP Dr Jamal Rifi administers a second dose of the Pfizer vaccine to Dib and Wagiha Kurdi during a home visit on Sunday. Picture: Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images

“After being closed since June we couldn’t be more ready to open, the more we can trade the better so a few extra days would make an absolute world of difference,” Bungalow 8 Licensee Jeremy Fraser said.

Professor Peter Collingnon said rewarding people with safe activities in the lead-up to Monday would prevent large groups congregating on Monday and Tuesday nights.

“Visiting your family on a Sunday afternoon in the backyard is much safer than visiting them on Monday night inside,” he said.

Mum Emily Evans wanted the 5km travel radius scrapped in time for the weekend so she, and daughter Zaylah, 4, could see their family as soon as possible.

“None of them are in my radius. I’d love to see my family,” she said.

Rosemarie Torcasio, 25, and her sister Antonia, 23, got their second dose of the Covid vaccine at Qudos Bank Arena on Wednesday, said “the sooner we open up the better”.