While some parts of the state will have their restrictions lifted this weekend, on the South Coast stay-at-home orders will stay in place due to a number of cases in the region.
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But, it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
The NSW government released its "roadmap to reopening" which outlines freedoms for fully vaccinated people.
When will the lockdown end?
There is no specific date set in stone, however at the current vaccination rate, NSW is expected to reach 70 per cent double dose by mid-October.
The NSW government announced stay-at-home orders for fully vaccinated adults would be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target.
What businesses will reopen?
Hospitality venues, retail stores, personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons, gyms, swimming pools are included in the first stage of the reopening.
Major outdoor recreation facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen, as well as cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries.
Will there be limits on capacity for businesses?
Yes.
All venues will have to follow the one person per four square metres rule, with some exceptions.
Hospitality venues will have the one person per four square metres rule for inside and one person per two square metres outside rule.
Standing while drinking will be allowed outside.
Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per four square metres, but are capped at five clients at one time.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can have classes of up to 20 people.
Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Major outdoor recreation facilities can reopen with one person per four square metre rule, but are capped at 5,000 people.
Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
Indoor entertainment and information facilities can reopen with one person per four square metres or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.
Do all staff at businesses need to be fully vaccinated?
Yes.
The roadmap has been released now to allow everyone to prepare and have an opportunity to be vaccinated.
Only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will have access to the freedoms allowed under the Reopening NSW roadmap
Will weddings and funerals be allowed?
Yes!
Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
Will I be able to go to church?
Yes.
Churches and places of worship will have to follow the one person per four square metres rule, but no singing.
Will schools reopen?
Yes!
It's back to school on Monday, October 25.
But, extra-curricular activities or assemblies won't be allowed just yet. Staff and students will need to have staggered arrival and departure times to avoid mixing between different school cohorts.
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Will we go back into lockdown?
Maybe.
The government has flagged the roadmap might need some fine-tuning based on health advice. If hospital circumstances change drastically or if cases within a designated area remain too high and vaccination rates too low, restrictions may need to come back.
Can I have people over?
Yes.
Up to five visitors will be allowed inside a home where all adults are vaccinated. This does not include children aged 12-years and under.
Up to 20 people will be able to gather outdoors.
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Will I be able to visit family and friends outside my local government area?
Yes!
Domestic travel, including trips for Greater Sydney-siders to regional NSW, will be allowed.
Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
Carpooling will be permitted.
Non-vaccinated young people under 16-years old will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.
Will we still need to wear masks?
Yes.
Masks will be mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
Children aged under-12 years old will not need to wear a mask indoors.
Will I still need to work from home?
Most people who are vaccinated will be able to return to their office once the restrictions ease, but employers still need to allow those who can and want to work from home the option to do so.
Will community sport come back?
Not quite yet.
Mr Barilaro said the risks associated with community groups getting together were still too high, even at the 70 per cent fully vaccinated mark.
"We wanted to reboot the economy by supporting businesses, but we never said we could come back to what it was pre-lockdown because the risk of infection remains," he said.
"Community sport is often run by volunteers and you have no ability to control what's happening on the sidelines, the spectators, we don't have QR codes on all our ovals, so when you measure the risk it's better to stay on the side of caution."
What happens next?
When NSW hits the 80 per cent double dose target, the government intends to open up further freedoms around international travel, community sport, major events and other areas.
To book a vaccine visit the eligibility website, or contact your local GP or pharmacy.
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I'm a journalist for the Bay Post/Moruya Examiner and Narooma News. Got a tip? Email maeve.bannister@austcommunitymedia.com.au
