Alcohol restrictions have been temporarily lifted at 18 parks across Sydney as a reward to fully-vaccinated residents.
As NSW inches closer to Freedom Day in mid-October, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced boozy picnics would be permitted at parks previously considered alcohol-free zones.
Residents must still picnic within their local government area or 5km from home.
Bicentennial Park in Sydney Olympic Park, Dawes Point Reserve in The Rocks and Pyrmont Bay park are among the 18 reserves given the green light.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the measures were a reward for vaccinated Sydneysiders.
As NSW inches closer to Freedom Day in mid-October, Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced boozy picnics would be permitted
‘Vaccinated Sydneysiders have embraced the easing of restrictions and are out picnicking in record numbers across our parks and public spaces,’ he said.
‘After an incredibly tough winter, people who have followed COVID rules and received both jabs deserve to enjoy a beer or wine responsibly.
‘Our rangers told us that picnickers have been following the health advice and safely distancing. We only ask that rules continue to be followed, that everyone drinks responsibly and disposes of all rubbish and enjoys our beautiful public spaces.’
Anybody attending Parramatta Park, Centennial Parklands, Royal Botanic Gardens and Western Sydney Parklands will still be able to drink responsibly.
Rangers will monitor the parks to ensure social distancing measures are enforced.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in most of the LGAs of concern, 80 per cent of residents have now had one jab but warned opening up the state would be done cautiously to prevent an influx of cases being hospitalised
The new freedoms come as NSW recorded 1,043 new Covid cases and 11 deaths overnight.
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Ms Berejiklian also revealed the state is on track to reach a whopping 80 per cent fully vaccinated just two weeks after hitting the first 70 per cent milestone.
The NSW Government will hold a crisis cabinet meeting on Friday to determine the freedoms on offer once the larger target is finally reached.
International travel and the easing of state border restrictions may be on the cards for those who’ve received both jabs along with community sport and large events.
New South Wales has recorded 1,043 Covid-19 cases and 11 deaths on Friday
Freedom Day is expected to come on the Monday after the state reaches 70 per cent double doses which is set for October 11 – meaning more restrictions could be lifted by the end of next month.
More than 56 per cent of over-16s are now fully vaccinated while 84 per cent have had at least one dose.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said in most of the LGAs of concern, 80 per cent of residents have now had one jab but warned opening up the state would be done cautiously to prevent an influx of cases being hospitalised.
The government’s roadmap to freedom allows the return of pubs, gyms and hair salons with strict density requirements once the 70 per cent target is reached.
Roadmap to freedom: All the changes for fully vaccinated NSW residents after hitting 70% jab target
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s freedom plan will kick off after the state hits 70 per cent of adults double dosed
Gatherings in the home and public spaces
· Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under).
· Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.
Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms
· Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
· Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail).
· Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
· Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
· Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.
Stadiums, theatres and major outdoor recreation facilities
· Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
· Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
· Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.
Weddings, funerals and places of worship
· Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
· Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
· Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.
Travel
· Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted.
· Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
· Carpooling will be permitted.
Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.
Employers must continue to allow employees to work from home if the employee is able to do so.
There will be revised guidance on isolation for close and casual contacts who are fully vaccinated, with details to be provided closer to the reopening date.
Masks
· Masks will remain mandatory for all indoor public venues, including public transport, front-of-house hospitality, retail and business premises, on planes and at airports.
· Only hospitality staff will be required to wear a mask when outdoors.
· Children aged under 12 will not need to wear a mask indoors.
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