NSW COVID-19 roadmap changes again for the fully vaccinated

In response to the faster-than-expected rate of vaccination and the roll out of booster shots,  the NSW government has brought forward several freedoms for people who are fully vaccinated as a number of COVID restrictions that were due to be eased on 1st December will instead be scrapped next Monday, 8th November.

For those who remain unvaccinated, they face an even longer wait before they can enjoy more privileges. The unvaccinated were originally promised more freedoms on 1st December, however they will now have to wait until 95% of people aged 16 or over in NSW are double vaccinated, or until 15th December – whichever one is first.

They will only be allowed to enter essential businesses (such as supermarkets), but will be prevented from entering everywhere else, including hospitality venues, gyms and non-essential retail settings. The only exception is places of worship, which unvaccinated people are permitted to attend.

For the fully vaccinated, from 8th November, the following changes will take place:

• There will be no limit on how many people can visit someone's home, and no density rules for outdoor gatherings of fewer than 1,000 people.

• Dancing in nightclubs will be allowed - currently nightclubs are only allowed to open for people to drink in.

• Indoor swimming pools will be able to reopen for leisure and paddling, rather than just laps and swimming lessons.

• Entertainment facilities with fixed seating capacity such as stadiums, theatres and cinemas will be able to operate at 100% capacity, while others like theme parks and zoos will be subject to the 2 square metre density limits instead of the current caps.

• Businesses will be permitted to welcome more fully vaccinated customers, moving to a one person per 2 square metre density limit.

What isn't changing?

• Gym and dance classes will continue to be capped at 20 people.

• Mask wearing is still required in indoor settings such as supermarkets until 15th December.

Premier Perrottet said he hoped pushing back the date for extra freedoms for the unvaccinated would encourage more people to get the jab and advised "we believe that by moving that date back to the 15th of December it will incentivise people.

"We are hopeful that we can get that rate up to 95% — that will not just be nation-leading, it will be world-leading as well."

To maintain high levels of immunity across the community, NSW Health has commenced rolling out a booster vaccination program at its clinics to individuals aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine six months or more ago. Pfizer will be used for boosters regardless of the COVID-19 vaccine received for the first or second dose. 

NSW chief health officer Kerry Chant warned people to remain cautious explaining "It is critical that as we go through this transition phase, we need to retain those COVIDSafe practices.

"Even if you are fully vaccinated, you need to get tested if you have symptoms and you need to stay home. Those small steps can really help us to keep the virus in the community suppressed."