After the long countdown, today, 15 December, the removal of face masks in some indoor venues is just one of the renewed freedoms that locals can look forward to. 

The reduced Covid-19 restrictions come as NSW approaches the double-vaccination figure of 95 per cent, as introduced by Premier Dominic Perrottet as part of the NSW Roadmap to Recovery. 

As of today, a number of the Covid-safe restrictions that have been in place will be removed, including the removal of density limits, and venues no longer requiring proof of vaccination, unless a business chooses to do so. QR check-in will only be needed for certain high-contact premises, and face masks will no longer need to be worn in many indoor areas. 

For the unvaccinated or partially vaccinated population, these freedoms mark completely new milestones, including being allowed to attend indoor venues such as cafes, pubs, and most events. 

In airports, public transport waiting areas and on public transport, masks will still remain mandatory, as well as for front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.

In some businesses and various industries, the vaccine mandate will still apply for workers. 

QR check-ins will still be required at pubs and bars, self-care and beauty premises, hospitals, and gyms, as well as various other locations. 

The full effect of the recent Covid-19 outbreak in both Sydney and Newcastle - Newcastle’s clubbing event setting the scene for what may have been the world’s biggest superspreader, rendering 700 people close contacts and 200 people having already testing positive - remains to be seen, but so far no changes or halts to the renewed freedoms have been announced by the Premier. 

The new changes from today are a result of the Premier’s decision to push back the freedoms in a bid to encourage more people to get vaccinated, after they were originally to be removed on 1 December. 

NSW Health strongly advises people get fully vaccinated and wear a face mask where they cannot socially distance.