NSW’s road map to event freedom

HOSPITALITY venues in NSW will be allowed to reopen once the state reaches the key 70% full vaccination for eligible adults threshold, under a plan revealed this morning by State Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

At current rates, it’s anticipated this initial stage of opening will occur by 18 Oct, while a swathe of further restrictions are likely to be eased shortly thereafter once the 80% target is reached.

The reopening plan will impose a one person per four square metre rule indoors, with standing while drinking permitted outside where a one person per two square metre measure will apply.

Major outdoor recreation facilities such as stadiums, race courses, theme parks and zoos can reopen, capped at 5,000 visitors at a time, while up to 500 people will be able to attend ticketed and seated outdoor events, the Government said.

Indoor entertainment and information facilities such as cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can also reopen with a one person per four square metre rule, or 75% fixed seated capacity.

And weddings and funerals will once again be allowed, initially with a 50 guest limit, while churches and places of worship can reopen with no singing.

Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, on planes and at airports, but only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said “this roadmap gives us the light at the end of the tunnel we all want,” while Health Minister Brad Hazzard warned that the Government would continue to be guided by health advice and may still require targeted restrictions to deal with future outbreaks.

“When NSW hits the 80% double dose target the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas,” the NSW Govt said.

Yesterday Claudia Sagripanti, CEO of the Exhibition & Event Association of Australia, hinted at the likelihood of further good news for the sector, including potential NSW Government “trials to reopen certain sectors which may include business events, as a proof-of-concept measure,” with an announcement expected imminently.