Today, November 8, marks the third major milestone in the NSW roadmap to re-opening, with further easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated people including no person limit for major recreation facilities, weddings and funerals. 

The new freedoms have been brought forward from the original December 1 date, rewarding the fully vaccinated population. Those who aren’t fully vaccinated were also expecting to see freedoms introduced from December 1, however, will now have to wait until December 15. 

The decision was announced by NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet last week as a result of strong vaccination rates across the state. 

“I really do believe we are going to have a strong summer here in NSW,” Mr Perrottet said. 

“We believe that moving that date (when un-vaccinated people can enjoy new freedoms) to October 15 will incentivise, and we are hopeful that we can get that rate up to 95 per cent,” he said. 

As of today, there will be no limit to the number of visitors in the home or outdoor public gatherings. The exception to this is a gathering of over 1000 people, where a COVID-19 safety plan is required. The easing of restrictions also applies to aged care facilities and disability homes, though each facility may have its own policies. 

Community sports will finally resume to their typical state, with all staff, spectators and participants allowed to attend. Indoor swimming pools can reopen for all purposes.  

Caps will be removed from all gatherings except for dance and gym classes, which will remain limited to 20 people. Outside of this, a density limit of one person per 2 square metres will apply to all activities, including retail, hospitality, and beauty services. 

Locals can look forward to the return of singing and dancing in hospitality venues both indoors and outdoors, as well as the allowance of drinking while seated or standing, both inside and outside. 

Staff who are not fully vaccinated are required to work from home, if reasonably practicable. Fully vaccinated staff also have the allowance to work from home. 

Following the allowance to travel to and from Greater Sydney that began last week, there are no distance limits for travel, though exceptions apply for those who are not fully vaccinated. 

Further easing of restrictions will occur when NSW reaches 95 per cent fully vaccinated or on December 15, whichever comes first. This milestone will make for even more significant allowances, such as the easing of the mask mandate. 

As of November 4, 90 per cent of the NSW population aged 16 and over are fully vaccinated, with 93.8 per cent having had their first dose. 

“This is a long journey. Challenges still lie ahead. Our success as a state in being able to open up safely is a testament to everybody in NSW who have gone out and made the effort to get vaccinated,” Mr Perrottet said. 

Beyond 95 per cent fully vaccination, the next push for locals is to maintain strong testing rates and to pursue the Pfizer booster shot, six months after receiving the second dose of the vaccine. 

Bourke Testing

Covid-19 testing is still available at Bourke’s Davidson Oval from 9am to 3pm.

Western NSW Local Health District Director of Aboriginal Health and Well-Being Brendon Cutmore said that testing remains a priority to ensure the community doesn’t become complacent following the recent outbreak. 

“Covid-19 hasn’t disappeared and with restrictions easing further around the state we know there will be increased risk of the virus spreading, and that makes early detection really crucial,” Mr Cutmore said. 

For those who can’t get to Davidson Oval, in-home testing can be provided by calling 0497 544 859 to make a booking.