NSW moves to next stage of reopening as cases surge to a three-month high

NSW recorded 1360 new cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, the highest number of new infections in a day since September 11.

That comes on the day that many restrictions in place across the state have been eased as part of the reopening roadmap.

From today, density limits have ceased and masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.

Masks are still strongly recommended to be worn in settings where one cannot social distance.

Also from today, QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, business premises for personal services (eg hairdressers, salons and spas), pubs, small bars, registered clubs, nightclubs, and for indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.

There is now no person limit in gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities, while indoor swimming pools are now open for all purposes and community sports are permitted for all staff, spectators and participants.

Travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW is also permitted for all and there is no limit to the number of visitors in a home nor the number of people allowed at outdoor public gatherings.

Proof of vaccination is now only required for indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people and cruises with more than 100 passengers, while businesses can still require proof of vaccination at their own discretion.

COVID safety plans are now optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW.

NSW Government is urging people to book in for their COVID-19 booster shot with those restrictions and many more easing today.

More than 93 per cent of people aged 16 and over have been fully vaccinated as NSW continues its responsible and measured approach to reopening.

To maintain increased levels of immunity across the population the Commonwealth Government and NSW Government are continuing to roll out a booster vaccination program. Boosters are currently available for people aged 18 years and older who received their second dose at least five months ago.

Booster eligibility will increase steadily in 2022, with around 40 per cent of the NSW population to be eligible at the end of January, 64 per cent in February, 87 per cent in March, and 91 per cent by April 2022.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said with the removal of additional restrictions it was vital people booked in for their booster shot so NSW can continue to reopen safely.

“As we reopen in a measured and safe way people need to keep rolling up their sleeves to get their first and second jabs and their booster shots,” Mr Perrottet said.

“We have some of the highest vaccination rates in the world but there will continue to be challenges thrown at us and everyone must follow the rules to help combat new variants and keep people out of hospital.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government was sticking to the roadmap to give people certainty ahead of summer.

“Our Government will always take COVID seriously to ensure our regions remain open and safe,” Mr Toole said.

“With vaccination rates so high and visitors eager to get out and about, we urge people to follow the health advice to ensure they can hit the road enjoy the best regional NSW has to offer as safely as possible.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard encouraged everyone to book in for their booster as soon as they are eligible.

“Check your eligibility, get online, make the booking and you will be doing your bit to keep you, your family and the community safe,” Mr Hazzard said.

Increased penalties for non-compliance with the isolation, testing and quarantine requirements remain, with individuals facing fines up to $5000 and $10,000 for corporations.

Fully vaccinated close contacts will only have to isolate until they receive a negative PCR result. However, household close contacts and close contacts in any other settings identified by NSW Health will still be required to isolate for seven days and comply with PCR testing requirements.

Of the 1360 new cases in NSW during the latest reporting period, 424 were in the Hunter New England health district.

More than half of those, 243 to be precise, were from Newcastle local government area, while 76 are from Lake Macquarie LGA, 69 are from Maitland LGA, 18 are from Port Stephens LGA, seven are from Cessnock LGA, four are from Mid Coast LGA, two are from Moree Plains LGA, two are from Singleton LGA, two are from Tamworth Regional LGA, and one is from Armidale Regional LGA.