The revising of the state’s Covid-19 recovery roadmap has seen new and altered freedoms that will be allowed when NSW reaches 95 per cent double dose vaccination or December 15, whichever comes first. 

Adjustments to the milestone include masks only being required in certain settings, including public transport, planes and airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who aren’t fully vaccinated.

The use of masks will still be strongly encouraged in places where you cannot social distance. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions was a result of NSW being one of the highest vaccinated populations in the world, as well as the introduction of the booster shot program, which will be available to individuals 18 and over.

“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. 

Additional easing of restrictions includes the removal of density limits and proof of vaccinations will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities. It will remain compulsory for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people, and businesses can require proof at their own discretion. 

QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

“The easing of 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,” Mr Perrottet said. 

Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said that the plans are a productive step forward for businesses still impacted by restrictions. 

“This is a timely boost for businesses just before the bust Christmas and summer holiday periods,” Mr Ayres said. 

“I want to encourage everyone to go our and support NSW businesses – whether it’s a meal out, booking a regional trip or holiday shopping at your favourite local store, this is a prime time to enjoy the new freedoms and help NSW businesses bounce back,” Mr Ayres said. 

The NSW Government has said that they will continue to review the roadmap settings and make any appropriate changes based on the current case numbers and vaccination rates. 

People aged 18 years and older can receive the Pfizer booster dose at least six months after receiving their second dose of any of the Covid-19 vaccinations registered in Australia.