NSW nightclubs may re-open in August as the state announces further lifting of restrictions

People will finally be able to get back on the dancefloor with one state flagging a date for nightclubs to re-open.

Nightclubs in NSW may re-open in August if community transmission of the coronavirus remains low.

On Sunday, the NSW Government announced further easing of restrictions from July 1 and has also flagged the possibility of other rules being relaxed.

“The community has worked incredibly hard over the past few months which has allowed us to be where we are today,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.

From July 1, there will be no limit on the number of people allowed inside indoor venues as long as they meet the “one person per four square metre” rule. However, all activities must be seated.

Cultural and sporting venues with a maximum capacity of 40,000 people will also be allowed to re-open at up to 25 per cent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and seated and follow strict guidelines.

Restrictions on funerals will be eased immediately to allow the four square metre rule to apply.

However, people will still only be able to have 20 guests inside their homes and 20 for outside gatherings.

Music festivals and nightclubs will continue to remain closed in July as the heath advice suggests these venues and activities still pose a high risk of the virus spreading.

“We’ve seen overseas, nightclubs is one area of failure,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said last week.

However, NSW flagged on the weekend that restrictions would be eased further in August if community transmission of the virus remains low.

RELATED: Keep up-to-date on the latest restrictions in your state

Nightclubs are not yet able to re-open in NSW. Picture: istock

“The July 1 measures will allow vital community hubs in the regions to open, such as showgrounds, providing a big boost for communities many of which are still recovering from the devastating impacts of drought and the bushfires,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro said.

The government has launched the online COVID Safe Check to help businesses continue to build their hygiene and compliance plans by checking and testing their safety plans.

“More than 30,000 businesses have already downloaded a COVID Safety Plan template,” Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard said people still needed to be vigilant because it must be assumed that the virus hasn’t gone.

“There is no vaccine or treatment on the immediate horizon,” Mr Hazzard said.

“So I encourage people to go about their daily lives, enjoy playing sport or a night out visiting friends but do it in a COVID safe way – maintain physical distancing, good hygiene and if you feel unwell stay home and get tested.”