NSW takes first step out of lockdown, Melbourne Cup to go ahead with vaccinated punters

After Sydneysiders spent more than 100 days in lockdown, the state will take its first steps back to normal life today with businesses reopening to fully vaccinated customers.

Businesses like cafes, restaurants, pubs, and retailers have reopened to fully vaccinated customers across NSW today after the state cracked the 70 per cent double dose milestone on Thursday last week.

In addition, up to 10 people can gather in homes or 30 outdoors, weddings and funerals can have up to 100 people in attendance, and swimming pools have reopened under changes made to the roadmap by new Premier Dominic Perrottet.

“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate,” Perrottet said.

“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.

“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70 per cent, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open,” Ayres said.

“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”

The NSW Government has encouraged all businesses to visit nsw.gov.au to ensure they are complying with the 70 per cent roadmap.

Crowds to return for Melbourne Cup and concerts in Victoria

Up to 10,000 people will be allowed to descend on Flemington Racecourse on the first Tuesday in November after the Victorian Government announced changes to its reopening plans that will also benefit the state’s arts and music scene.

Further, subject to consideration of the venue’s COVIDSafe Plan and approval from the Chief Health Officer, several thousand people will be able to watch Victorian artists perform and celebrate the return of live music at one of Melbourne’s most iconic outdoor venues - Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Smaller gigs are planned around the state at the same time, subject to approval from the Chief Health Officer.

The alterations are part of Victoria’s ‘Vaccinated Economy’ trials, which will let more people safely attend venues and major events if fully vaccinated. These venues will test event settings attached to the 80 per cent double vaccination mark - a threshold the state believes will be achieved on or before 5 November.

The final two days of the Melbourne Cup Carnival – Oaks Day and Stakes Day – will also welcome up to 10,000 patrons if the 80 per cent double-jab threshold has been passed. Racing fans will be spread across a number of zones at Flemington in allocated seats, and will be required to wear masks and be fully vaccinated or holding a valid exemption.

These events will follow the first stage of trials under the 70 per cent double dose settings which kick off today at regional venues including cinemas, hotels, and cafes, as well as a gym, a church and a beauty clinic.

Some 15 venues and events in six local government areas will operate with higher capacity and density limits, including a midweek race meeting at Warrnambool on Thursday, 14 October.

The participants in the Vaccinated Economy trial are:

• Bass Coast – North Pier Hotel in Cowes, Churchill Island Cafe
• Buloke – Terminus Hotel in Wycheproof
• East Gippsland – East Gippsland Art Gallery in Bairnsdale, Lakes Squash and Movie Theatre in Lakes Entrance, Wilson Property in Traralgon
• Greater Bendigo – Anglican Church of Australia in Flora Hill, Bendigo Art Gallery, Village Cinemas in Bendigo, Body Fit Training in Bendigo
• Pyrenees – Avoca Hotel
• Warrnambool – Darlings of Beauty, Roberts One Real Estate, Warrnambool Racing Club (race meeting), Warrnambool Art Gallery.

The trials will allow real-world testing of the vaccine certification technology, confirm the best processes for establishing vaccination status, as well as fine-tuning training for staff and support for business owners and public communication of vaccine requirements.

Victorians attending a Vaccinated Economy trial business or event will be asked to show they are fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 digital certificate displayed through the Service Victoria app, Medicare app, or equivalent smartphone wallet, or present a printed version of their certificate or immunisation history statement, or provide evidence of a valid exemption.

Updated at 9.48am AEST on 11 October 2021.

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