Huge changes to NSW roadmap as several Covid rules AXED

Josh Dutton
·News Reporter
·3-min read

NSW is only weeks away from scrapping QR code check-ins to track coronavirus clusters.

Premier Dominic Perrottet made the announcement on Thursday that on either December 15, or when 95 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated, whichever comes first, the rule will go out the window.

A person uses a smart phone to check-in with a QR code at a supermarket in Pitt Street mall, in Sydney
QR code check ins, like this one in Pitt Street Mall, in Sydney, will soon be a thing of the past in NSW. Source: AAP

It is one of a few changes he announced ahead of the next stage of the NSW Covid roadmap.

However, they will still be required at venues deemed high-risk such as gyms and places of worship. They will also be needed at airports.

Other changes include masks only being required on public transport including planes. However, front-of-house hospitality staff will still have to wear them at venues if they are not fully vaccinated.

Restriction changes at 95 per cent or December 15

  • Density limits will be scrapped with the one person per two square metres rule no longer required.

  • Masks will only be required on public transport, planes and airports. They will also be required by front-of-house hospitality staff if they are not vaccinated.

  • QR codes will go but visitors to gyms, hospitals and places of worship (or other venues deemed high risk) will still need to check in.

  • Proof of vaccination will no longer fall under the Public Health Order but businesses asking for it may choose to continue to do so.

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Density limits will also be a thing of the past. and proof of vaccination will also no longer be required to enter businesses unless they choose to do so under the easing of further restrictions.

As of Thursday, more than 92 per cent of residents 16 years and over were fully vaccinated.

Mr Perrottet also announced on Thursday, NSW is rolling out its Covid booster shots for people aged 16 years and over who received their second vaccination six months or more ago.

“We’re leading the world when it comes to vaccinations and that is a tremendous achievement we can all be proud of because it has allowed us to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible,” Mr Perrottet said.

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“The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with Covid.”

Royal Hotel Manager Amber Obernier runs the beer taps as she prepares the pub for reopening, in Oberon in the central tablelands region of NSW.
Royal Hotel Manager Amber Obernier prepares for reopening last month in Oberon. Source: AAP

The government also announced changes to requirements for close contacts of COVID cases in schools across the state.

From Monday, they will no longer need to isolate for a full seven days.

Students who are close contacts of a positive case will be required to get a PCR test as soon as possible after being notified of exposure.

If it is negative, they may return to school immediately, so long as they provide negative Rapid Antigen Home Test results for the next seven days.

with AAP

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