Weary NSW residents get a road map to freedom
SYDNEYSIDERS are now in a race to get back to the pub, with extra freedoms directly tied to reaching vaccination targets.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian deliberately avoided setting a date for lifting harsh restrictions, instead stating that freedoms would be reinstated the Monday after 70 per cent double-dose vaccination rates were met.
But amid businesses’ calls for certainty, senior ministers expected a specific date would soon be announced for when people could eat at restaurants, go to the gym, or have a drink at pubs.
Some minor restrictions could be eased before then; consideration is being given to allowing slightly bigger outdoor gatherings, or increasing the 5km travel limit.
But this will be closely linked to case numbers – and no specific discussions have been had about relaxing lockdown rules before vaccination targets are met.
Under the road map to freedom announced on Thursday, a raft of liberties will be reinstated for vaccinated people at 70 per cent double-dose inoculation rates – expected as early as October 17.
Up to five visitors will be allowed in homes, as long as everyone over 16 has both jabs, and outdoor gatherings of 20 will be allowed.
Hospitality venues will open subject to the one person per 4sq m rule inside, with one person per 2sq m applying outside. Patrons will be allowed to drink while standing in the beer garden.
Retail will also reopen at the one-per-4sq m rule, but people without both jabs will be limited to essential shopping.
Hairdressers and beauty salons will also open subject to
strict caps. Sporting facilities will reopen, despite community sport continuing to be banned.
Major recreation facilities will reopen for up to 5,000 people, but the rule delaying the easing of restrictions until the Monday after vaccine targets are met is set to rule out crowds going to the races in time for The Everest on October 16.
However, brides-to-be will still face tight restrictions: weddings will be capped at just 50 people – although dancing will be allowed.
The road map came with a warning that high case numbers could put reopening at risk.
Asked whether infection rates in local government areas of concern would allow the hot spots to come out of lockdown alongside everyone else, chief health officer Kerry Chant said that was “a hypothetical”.
“What we’re really focused on at the moment is increasing the vaccine coverage in those areas and seeing the case numbers decline,” she said.
“We’re aiming to case numbers down.”
Ms Berejiklian also indicated some strict rules in hot-spot local government areas could be eased before vaccination targets were met. That could include allowing travel further for exercise or shopping, or bigger outdoor gatherings.