Dominic Perrottet hints at easing restrictions once 95 per cent vaccine target is met

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet has hinted restrictions could ease earlier than planned if the state achieves a key vaccination milestone.

The next phase of freedoms in NSW could come into play even earlier than planned.

Premier Dominic Perrottet flagged the removal of the state’s remaining restrictions could be brought forward as people continue to turn out in droves to get the Covid vaccine.

December 1 was penned as the next day that more freedoms would be granted. Almost all restrictions would be removed – even for the unvaccinated.

But that date could be changed.

“We set a road map to provide clarity and certainty for people, but we want to drive that vax rate up as high as we can up to around 95 per cent,” Mr Perrottet told The Today Show.

“Ultimately there are opportunities to bring forward some of that relaxing of restrictions.”

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Monday marked an important milestone. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Mr Perrottet said the 95 per cent target was achievable.

From December 1 most restrictions will ease, albeit with some density rules, while masks will still be required on public transport, planes and in airports, as well as for front-of-house hospitality staff.

As of midnight on Friday, 93.5 per cent of eligible NSW residents had one dose and 87.5 per cent were fully vaccinated.

The state could achieve the 90 per cent double dose target later this week.

Travel between Greater Sydney and the regions resumed on Monday for the fully vaccinated.

Mr Perrottet said on Monday today marked a “very important milestone”.

All restrictions could ease earlier than December 1. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper

“We’ve said we can move things forward, we will, but ultimately we want to have as many people across the state to have the opportunity to get vaccinated. That’s the key to opening up safely,” he said.

“There will be challenges that come our way as we move forward the next six months, the next 12 months.

“I’m very confident we’ve got the balance right here. We might make mistakes from time to time, but ultimately I think we’re in a very good position.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard praised people for coming forward to get vaccinated.

“The people of NSW can be proud of our vaccination rate, and there’s no reason we can’t reach 95 per cent double dose vaccination to help ensure we get on top of this pandemic,” he said.

“NSW can be one of the highest vaccinated jurisdictions in the world.”

NSW recorded 135 cases on Monday and four deaths.

Originally published as Dominic Perrottet hints at easing restrictions once 95 per cent vaccine target is met