In an unexpected announcement from the state government, a few LGAs across the Western Plains deemed low risk for COVID-19 will come out of lockdown this weekend, though they must still follow strict restrictions to ensure community safety.

The Coonamble, Warren, Warrumbungle, Cobar and Lachlan shires will exit stay-at-home orders as previously scheduled at 12.01am on Saturday 11 September, though areas that are still seeing positive cases, such as Bourke and Walgett, will remain in lockdown.

The announcement came from Deputy Premier John Barilaro this morning as part of the state government's daily press conference, where it announced the state's roadmap of exiting current COVID restrictions.

Mr Barilaro said many regional communities were doing an incredible job following health advice and getting vaccinated which had made the easing of lockdown conditions in some parts of the state possible.

“Today, I can announce that while unfortunately many regional LGAs will remain in lockdown due to COVID case numbers, for other parts of the state, stay-at-home orders will be lifted allowing more freedoms for those communities,” Mr Barilaro said.

“This decision is based on NSW Health advice, and the LGAs which remain in lockdown will continue to be monitored and we will update those communities on a regular basis.

“My strong advice to everyone in regional NSW is to get vaccinated as soon as you can. Our communities need to continue to get vaccinated so that when NSW reaches 70 and 80 per cent, restrictions can ease significantly.”

The LGAs across the Western Plains where stay-at-home orders still apply include the Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Gilgandra, Narromine and Walgett shires.

A map of the LGA's in NSW that will remain (red) or exit (white) lockdown conditions from this weekend. Map courtesy of NSW Government.

Mr Barilaro said it was important to clarify that if any of the LGAs exiting lockdown this weekend record any new COVID-19 cases, they will immediately re-enter stay-at-home orders for at least 14 days.

The following freedoms will be available to all people in regional LGAs where stay-at-home orders have lifted:

Gatherings in the home and public spaces:

• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home (not including children 12 and under).

• Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.

• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule.

• Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.

• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.

• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.

Schools:

• Schools will re-open with Level 3 COVIDSafe measures in place.

Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities:

• Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.

• Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.

• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.

Weddings, funerals and places of worship:

• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.

• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.

• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.

Travel:

• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.

• Carpooling will be permitted.

Masks:

• Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.

• Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.

• Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.