Covid-19 Australia: Dominic Perrottet announces new radical restrictions for NSw

Checking in with QR codes will be scrapped for trips to the shops and masks won’t be compulsory indoors except for on public transport, under radical new changes to Covid rules in NSW. 

Premier Dominic Perrottet announced on Thursday that the government will lift restrictions on masks, QR codes, density limits and proof of vaccination rules when the state hits 95 per cent double vaccinated or on December 15, whichever comes earlier. 

QR code check-ins will only be required for ‘high risk venues’ such as hospitals, gyms, airport and aged care facilities. 

Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports and for indoor hospitality staff who aren’t fully vaccinated and limited hospitality venues.

Proof of vaccination certificates will be ditched for most activities except for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

More than 92 per cent of the state’s residents aged of 16 are now double-vaccinated with the state expect to hit its 95 per cent vaccination target by December 15.

In a statement, Mr Perrottet said: ‘We’re leading the world when it comes to vaccinations and that is a tremendous achievement we can all be proud of because it has allowed us to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible. 

‘The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID.’ 

New Covid-19 restrictions will ditch QR code check-ins for trips to the shops once NSW hits 95 per cent vaccination rate

NSW Health is continuing to rollout its vaccine booster program to residents aged 18 and over who have received their second dose six months ago or longer. 

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard said booster shots were important in maintaining high immunity levels among the community through the summer and new year period.

‘If you had your second Covid vaccination jab six months or more ago, you should book a booster right now. Don’t’ forget if you haven’t been vaccinated at all go and get the jab to protect yourself and your family,’ Mr Hazzard said. 

‘By stepping up for a jab and a booster shot you help protect yourself and everyone around you, including the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and young children who aren’t yet eligible for vaccinations.’  

However Mr Hazzard reminded residents who display symptoms of Covid-19 to continue to get tested for the virus regardless of their vaccination status.

The state government also announced changes for NSW school settings that will no longer require close contacts of Covid cases to isolate. 

From Monday students who become close contacts be required to immediately undertake a PCR test.