Coronavirus Australia: Dominic Perrottet plays down Kerry Chant absence at Covid update

Dominic Perrottet insists he has a ‘great relationship’ with Kerry Chant despite reported clashes over the roadmap out of lockdown.

Dominic Perrottet has tried to play down the absence of the state’s Chief Health Officer at his first press conference as NSW Premier this morning.

Dr Chant has been front and centre of the Covid-19 updates and rule changes for most daily press conferences since the pandemic began in March last year.

However amid speculation over alleged tensions between the two over Covid restrictions, Dr Chant was a notable absentee as Mr Perrottet laid out his revised roadmap out of lockdown.

Asked why the CHO hadn’t been invited to his first major press conference as Premier, Mr Perrottet repeated a former quip that Dr Chant “is one of my favourite constituents in Epping.”

“We’ve always had a great relationship. But … we are moving away from 11am press conferences, the health numbers will now be provided (at 9am),” the Premier added.

Premier Dominic Perrottet was caught in a tense exchange with a reporter at a press conference on Thursday. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Adam Yip

Mr Perrottet, who has clashed with Dr Chant in the recent past over opening up the state before it reaches higher vaccine numbers, pointed out the crisis was economic as well as a health issue.

“I sat down with the Health Minister and Dr Chant yesterday. We went through some of these potential changes,” he said.

“We went through the opportunities to make some sensible amendments, some stable and steady amendments to the roadmap and I think the changes today are sensible.”
It came as Mr Perrottet announced a raft of restrictions being eased, including larger indoor and outdoor gatherings, and allowing pupils to return to the classroom by the end of the month.

“All schools will return to by October 25,” Mr Perrottet said. “That’s great for kids and a major relief for parents and their sanity.”

Indoor pools will also be opened from Monday (October 11), while weddings and funerals will have their caps raised from 50 attendees to 100.

From Monday, 10 vaccinated adults will also be allowed to gather in homes (it had been five but has been raised), while 30 adults can gather in public outdoor spaces (up from 20).

From Monday, 30 adults will be allowed to gather outdoors. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gaye Gerard

At 80 per cent, Mr Perrottet also said the government would remove the requirement to wear masks in the office but teachers would still have to wear masks in classrooms.

That is because not all schoolchildren will be vaccinated.

NSW will also increase caps on gatherings at 80 per cent, with 20 adults allowed to gather in homes.

Outdoors, 50 people will be able to congregate, while 3000 people can attend ticketed outdoor events providing a Covid-safe plan has been submitted.