Major change to Covid rules in NSW with freedoms brought forward

There’s been a major change to Covid rules in NSW with new freedoms brought forward. Here’s all you need to know about the changes.

NSW residents will be able to enjoy new freedoms earlier than planned after the Premier revealed the road map would be fast-tracked.

The next wave of freedoms were not expected to come into force until December 1 but Dominic Perrottet said that would be shifted to Monday, November 8 for fully vaccinated residents.

Unvaccinated people will now have to wait until the state achieves its 95 per cent double dose target, or December 15 - whichever comes first.

All restrictions would be removed on Monday, except mask-wearing indoors. Some density limits will still apply to weddings and funerals, as well as venues.

But other events like community sport will be back on the cards.

Dominic Perrottet made the announcement. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

About 93.6 per cent of eligible residents have had one jab, while 87.8 per cent are fully vaccinated.

Mr Perrottet told reporters on Tuesday that the vaccine take up was the result of an “extraordinary effort” from every person across NSW.

“For those who are fully vaccinated there are some changes we are pleased to announce today,” he said.

The decision was made after a crisis cabinet met on Monday to discuss the measures.

Chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant revealed the mask mandate would remain until at least mid-December. She said residents must still wear them in indoor settings.

“I extend my appreciation to the community for understanding that this is a really important risk mitigation strategy for indoor settings,” Dr Chant said.

Health Minister Brad Hazzard described it as a “great day”.

Dr Kerry Chant said the mask mandate would stay until mid-December. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Christian Gilles

“As little as three or four months ago when things were looking dark, we were all wondering … if we’d be able to get through this in the next few months, or how long will it take us?” he said.

“I want to thank the community because if the community had not been with us on this journey, we would not be enjoying the freedoms that we are seeing coming earlier.”

The announcement is a blow to the unvaccinated who will likely have to wait longer to enjoy any of the new freedoms.

Jobs Minister Stuart Ayres said the decision was made to protect the wider community.

“We have exceeded our expectations and because of that we are able to make some prudent changes that allow people who are fully vaccinated to be able to do more things slightly earlier,” he said.

“But we will also take that same prudent decision by just holding back unvaccinated people for another couple of weeks.

“It’s in line with the decision we made around not allowing people to travel into regional NSW until we had slightly higher rates of vaccination.

“There is a really clear message here. We want to get to 95 per cent and encourage people to go out to get vaccinated.”

Mr Perrottet said NSW had “exceeded” where we thought we would be in terms of vaccination targets.

“We are on track to do it. It is one last push and I believe that we can get to that 95 per cent mark, plus a strong booster program,” he said.

Masks will still need to be worn indoors. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Mr Perrottet had hinted at the changes during an interview with The Today Show on Monday where he said some of the relaxations to rules could be brought forward.

“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 said.

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

Another 173 Covid cases and four deaths have been recorded in NSW on Tuesday as figures continues to steadily decline while vaccine rates grow.

The new figures came a day after international borders reopened to NSW and regional travel was allowed again.

ALL THE NEW FREEDOMS

Gatherings

No limits on gatherings in the home or outdoors. The density limit will shift to one person per 2sq m for indoor and outdoor settings.

Changes will come into force from Monday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

Community sport back on and a CovidSafe plan needs to be in place for events with more than 1000 people.

Hospitality, retail and gyms

Density limits of one person per 2sq m apply in all settings. But patrons can now drink standing up in venues.

Entertainment

Outdoor facilities like zoos and theme parks as well as indoor venues like galleries, cinemas, museums and theatres can open but must follow the one person per 2sq m rule.

Nightclubs can open with one person per 4sq m.

Work

Working from home will be at employer's discretion.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship

Density limits of one person per 2sq m apply. Dancing will be allowed at weddings and singing has been given the green light in places of worship.

Masks

Masks are still mandatory indoors until December 15, Dr Chant said. After that, it’s likely they will remain mandatory on public transport and for hospitality staff.

More to come