It’s official: from 12.01 am on December 15, unvaccinated NSW residents will be given the same freedoms as those who are fully vaccinated. 9 News confirms that from tomorrow, all retail stores will be open to everyone, regardless of their vaccination status.
Here’s everything you need to know about the December 15 changes.
Do I have to still wear a mask?
Yes, but masks will only be mandatory on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoor front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. Masks will also be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance.
Do I still have to check in?
9 News confirms that COVID-19 check-ins will only be mandatory at some specific places such as hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals and memorial services, personal services, pubs, small bars, and registered clubs, nightclubs, strip clubs, sex-on-premises as well as indoor music festivals with a crowd of over 1000 people.
Do I still have to show proof of vaccination?
News.com.au confirms that proof of vaccination will no longer be compulsory for most activities such as going out for a meal or shopping at non-essential retail.
Are there any restrictions on the number of visitors to your home?
Starting today, there will be no limit to the number of visitors allowed to your home and there will also be no limit to the number of people for outdoor public gatherings.
9 News confirms that there are no government restrictions on whether your family members are vaccinated or not.
Are there any restrictions when it comes to going to shopping centres?
Starting today, all retail shops will be open to everyone – 9 News confirms that there will be no government requirement to check-in anymore and unvaccinated people will be allowed to enter.
There will also be no requirement to wear a mask in shopping centres, but wearing one is highly encouraged in settings where you cannot socially distance.
Are there any restrictions to weddings and funerals?
No, 9 News confirms that there will be no person limit at weddings and people are free to eat, drink, and dance as they wish – the same goes for funerals.
Are there any restrictions to pubs, restaurants, theme parks, and stadiums?
Starting December 15, there will be no density limits for all settings.
Pubs, restaurants, theme parks, stadiums can accept as many people that can safely fit within their respective venues. You are allowed to drink standing up, you can sing and dance, and you can go to the theatre without a formal requirement to wear a mask.
However, 9 News confirms that Music festivals will be limited to 20,000, and attendees of indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people will be required to show proof of vaccination. Cruises with over 100 passengers will also require everyone onboard to be fully vaccinated.
What are the restrictions for people flying to NSW from overseas?
From December 15, international travellers who are fully vaccinated will no longer need to quarantine when they arrive. However, 9 News confirms that you must still do a PCR test and the vaccine you received must be recognised by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). If you are not fully vaccinated and flying to NSW you will still need to quarantine on arrival for 14 days.
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