New Premier accelerates NSW freedom roadmap as 70 per cent double dose target hit

After New South Wales hit the coveted target of 70 per cent of the eligible population fully vaccinated yesterday the newly appointed Premier Dominic Perrottet today announced some changes to his predecessor’s roadmap, bringing forward some easing of restrictions.

The changes alter the previously announced roadmap which will see stay-at-home orders lifted from Monday 11 October, and allow for larger gatherings at home and outdoors, the reopening of swimming pools, and more attendees at funerals and weddings.

New Premier Perrottet says the changes are able to be made because of the sacrifices and efforts made by the people of NSW to hit the 70 per cent double dose milestone.

“We’ve always said vaccination is the key to our freedom and the sacrifices and the efforts of people right across New South Wales have ensured that we can open up as quickly and safely as possible,” Perrottet said.

As such, from Monday, 11 October:

• Swimming pools will reopen for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming and rehab activities
• The number of people allowed to visit homes will double from five to 10 people
• Up to 30 people will be permitted to gather together outdoors
• Weddings and funerals can have up to 100 people in attendance

In addition, Premier Perrottet has brought forward the reopening of all schools, with all students to return to class by the 25 October.

Changes have also been made to what will happen once 80 per cent of the state’s eligible population is fully vaccinated.

Once that happens, masks will no longer need to be worn in the office, outdoor venues will be allowed to apply for an exemption to the 5,000 person cap for major events, and more people will be allowed to gather in homes and outdoors generally.

“I want to thank every single person right across New South Wales,” Perrottet said.

“This is not over, but to get to 70 per cent is incredibly successful for everybody right across New South Wales.

“If we continue to work together, if we continue to make the effort and make the sacrifices that we have all been making, New South Wales will be open again.”

In addition, Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose. 

"This move ensures we get businesses in the regions re-open and local economies buzzing again. It's about ensuring we make this a roadmap that works for everyone,” Toole said.

Confirmation that businesses will be able to reopen on Monday are a cause for celebration within the business and broader community according to Business NSW chief executive Daniel Hunter.

“We have reached the milestone quicker than initially expected, thanks to the community across NSW stepping up, and as a result, business can re-open,” Hunter said.

“Premier Perrottet has also confirmed that when we reach the 80 per cent milestone, masks won’t be required to be worn in office environments. That will have a huge impact on the return to work procedures of many businesses and will provide a big boost to the various CBD’s across the state."

“Next Monday is being called ‘back-to-business day’ because that’s what it is for hundreds of thousands of business owners and their employees across our state."

Updated at 9.29am AEDT on 7 October 2021.

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