Christmas services can be mask-less, with singing and no limit on people, as a result of an easing of restrictions announced by the New South Wales government.
The government has updated the roadmap with new rules for after the State reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target, or 15 December, whichever comes first.
Key changes:
- Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated. (Masks will be strongly encouraged in settings where you cannot social distance)
- Singing in places of worship without masks
- No density limits (previously one person per 2sqm)
- Weddings permitted with no person limit, eating and drinking allowed while standing and dancing permitted.
- Funerals permitted with no person limit, and eating and drinking allowed while standing.
- COVID safety plans will be optional for businesses and will be supported by SafeWork NSW
- QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, places of worship and funerals or memorial services.
- Proof of vaccination will no longer be required by Public Health Order for most activities (businesses can still require proof at their own discretion
Premier Dominic Perrottet said the easing of restrictions was only possible because NSW is amongst the highest vaccinated populations in the world and the introduction of the booster shot program.
“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,” Mr Perrottet said.
NSW Health has begun rolling out a booster vaccination program those aged 18 and older who received their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine more than six months ago.
The changes can be implemented in churches on at least one Sunday before Christmas services.
View the updated roadmap here.
