NSW COVID-19: Warning unvaccinated could be locked out of venues again as lockdowns aren’t ruled out

Unvaccinated Australians could be locked out of venues again if hospitals become inundated with Covid patients who haven’t got the jab.

Wednesday marked the first day unvaxxed NSW residents were given the same freedoms as the double jabbed, but minister for jobs and tourism Stuart Ayres on Thursday said the rules could change.

‘If we start to see people who are unvaccinated making their way back into hospital because they don’t have those levels of protection, the government will take action to ensure that we protect people and protect our health system,’ he told Sunrise.

‘Ultimately, this is all about protecting our health system, so having high case numbers is one thing, but what we’ve really got to do is make sure we’ve got less people presenting to hospital and putting demand on the health system.’

The minister also didn’t rule out the possibility of plunging cities back into lockdown following a spike in cases around the state.  

Newcastle in the state’s Hunter region has seen a massive surge in cases, linked to superspreader events at nightclubs.

When asked if localised lockdowns were possible, Mr Ayres said ‘we will keep the option open’.

‘As we reopen the economy. If we believe it is the right thing to do, that is an option on the table,’ he said.

‘This is why we are asking people to do the right thing, be cautious, get your booster shot, that is the most important thing you can do.’ 

A string of Covid measures were eased on Wednesday along with rules lifting for the unvaccinated.

Minister for Jobs, Investment and Tourism Stuart Ayres said the government hasn’t ruled out enforcing rules on the unvaccinated, just one day after they were given the same freedoms as the double jabbed 

Masks are only mandatory on public transport, in planes and airports and for unvaccinated front of house hospitality staff.

Mr Ayres said the government was allowing residents to ‘take personal responsibility’ to wear a mask if they felt they needed to.

‘As you’re making your way around the city or you’re moving into indoor settings, we’re just asking people to take precautions and wear a mask if they feel it’s required,’ he said. 

The state’s chief health officer on Wednesday said she strongly recommends residents keep wearing face masks while indoors.

‘My clear advice is that in indoor settings people should be wearing masks, I feel personally it does reduce the risk and gives a lot of people comfort as they move around,’ she said.    

More to come