Density limits have been lowered to 2m2 and singing is back for churches from Sunday November 14, according to an easing of restrictions announced by Premier Dominic Perrottet.
Freedoms for the fully vaccinated in New South Wales that were to be introduced on Dec 1 have been brought forward to Monday, Nov 8. But freedoms for the unvaccinated will now not be introduced until Dec 15.
The changes are the result of the high vaccination rate in NSW, which may hit 95 per cent double-dose coverage of the population within the next month.
According to media reports, from Nov 8 there will be no limits on gatherings in the home or outdoors. The density limit will shift to one person per 2m2 for indoor and outdoor settings, including churches.
Singing will return but masks are still mandatory indoors until December 15. From the intial government information, it appears that those not yet vaccinated, although they can attend church, will not be allowed to sing. See the government timeline here.
“Everybody has done an incredible job to ensure NSW can ease restrictions in a safe and considered way earlier than we planned,” Premier Dominic Perrottet said. “We are on track to reach 90 per cent double vaccination weeks ahead of schedule and this is a testament to everybody across NSW and especially our health workers. There is still a long way to go but the NSW Government is standing with the community and continuing to do everything that we can, including booster shots, to keep people safe as we open up.”
Health Minister Brad Hazzard described NSW as "amongst the best in the world when it comes to vaccinations."
“But we cannot forget that COVID will continue to circulate in the community and we must remain vigilant,” he said. Boosters are a key priority moving forward and we continue to work closely with the Commonwealth on the COVID-19 vaccination roll out. I want to encourage anyone who is yet to be vaccinated to make a booking as soon as possible.”
The easing of restrictions for churches would take effect from the first Sunday after Nov 8, which is Nov 14.
More details as they are released.
