NSW to move to 100% seated capacity at entertainment and sporting venues

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that an easing of COVID-19 restrictions will see 100% seated capacity allowed at entertainment and sporting venues - including stadiums and theatres - from 29th March.

With NSW moving forward in its COVIDSafe restrictions, the news arrangements, coming into effect from 12:01am on Monday 29th March, will see:

• No caps on weddings and funerals
• No restrictions on singing including in places of worship
• No restriction on dancing including at weddings and in pubs and nightclubs
• No cap on visitors in the home (if there are more than 100 people there must be a COVID-19 Safety plan and electronic recording of visitor details)
• 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings
• All venues to move to the one person per 2 metre² rule (venues will be allowed at least 25 people before the 2 metre² rule applies)
• 100% seated capacity at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres
• Mask use including on public transport will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’.

Explaining, as of yesterday, that the easing of restrictions is a significant step forward as NSW continues its COVID-19 recovery, Premier Berejiklian stated "with no community transmission and our quarantine and frontline workers now receiving their second vaccinations, the timing is right to further ease restrictions across the state.

“As we do this, it is important we don’t let our guard down and continue to check in at venues, keep our social distance and get tested if we have even the mildest of symptoms.”

NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant went on to say it is critical everyone continues to practise COVID-safe behaviours, including using QR codes, staying home if unwell and getting tested.

Dr Chant “I also urge everyone to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and able to do so. It will not only protect you, your family and loved ones, but will keep the whole community safe."

Businesses and other organisations must continue to ensure they keep accurate records of all attendances, including through QR Codes, to enable fast contact tracing in the event of any community transmission.

Live Performance Australia described the announcement as "great news".

Image: Venues such as Sydney's Bankwest Stadium will be able to operated at 100% seated capacity from 29th March.