Major coronavirus pub restriction eased in NSW – but there's a catch
Gladys Berejiklian has announced NSW residents will once again be able to stand while enjoying a drink at their local pub – but they have to be outside.
The premier revealed on Wednesday that a number of Covid-19 restrictions will be eased as of Monday.
The four-square-metre social distancing recommendation will become the two-square-metre rule, except for inside gyms and nightclubs.
There will be no caps on patron numbers at hospitality venues, nor at wedding and funerals.
However, Ms Berejiklian reminded people to maintain a safe distance and keep up their good hygiene.
She also urged people to continue to get tested for Covid-19 if they feel ill.
NSW Covid-19: Standing allowed outside at pubs
As of next week, standing in outdoor hospitality venues will be allowed and up to 50 people can be on a dance floor at any one time.
Controlled events will be permitted to have up to 5,000 people, while stadiums and outdoor theatres can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
Indoor stadiums and theatres can operate at 75 per cent capacity, while choirs of up to 50 people will be permitted to perform indoors.
Premier warns Covid-19 rules could be reinstated
The state is celebrating 25 straight days without any new Covid-19 infections in the community, while six cases were uncovered in hotel quarantine on Wednesday.
NSW Health is warning there still may be transmission among people who have unrecognised infections with mild or no symptoms, but Chief Health Officer Kerry Chant says community elimination in NSW is now likely.
"We're deeply grateful that since the beginning of the pandemic, the community has taken our advice, has really led the way throughout the nation and we want that to continue," Ms Berejiklian said.
However, the Premier warned that if another Covid-19 outbreak occurred in the coming months in NSW, a rapid reinstatement of restrictions was inevitable.
With AAP
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