NSW lockdown restrictions set to ease slightly as Israel struggles

A step in the direction of opening up in NSW today, that once NSW hits 70% full vaccination of people aged over 16, there will be some relaxation of restrictions.

The lifting of certain restrictions will only be available to people who are fully vaccinated or have a medical exemption and are set to come into effect the Monday after the state reaches 70% full vaccination of people aged over 16.

The easing of restrictions includes:

• Five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are fully vaccinated (not including children 12 and under);
• Up to 20 fully vaccinated people can gather in an outdoor setting;
• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to a four-square-metre rule indoors and a two-square-metre rule outside, with fully vaccinated patrons;
• Retail stores can reopen to the fully vaccinated. People who are not fully vaccinated can still access critical retail;
• Hairdressers and nail salons can reopen with a five-client cap, provided clients are vaccinated;
• Gyms and indoor recreation can reopen with a four-square-metre capacity rule for the fully vaccinated;
• Sporting facilities, including swimming pools, can reopen to the fully vaccinated;
• Stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen to the fully vaccinated with a four-square-metre cap;
• Fully vaccinated people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events with a 500-person cap;
• Cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen to the fully vaccinated with a four-square-metre rule or 75 per cent seated capacity;
• Weddings can go ahead with 50 fully vaccinated guests. Dancing is allowed, but eating and drinking must occur while sitting down;
• Fifty fully vaccinated guests can attend funerals;
• Churches and places of worship can open to the fully vaccinated with a four-square-metre rule; and
• Travel across NSW can occur, with caravan parks and camping grounds open to the fully vaccinated and carpooling permitted.
• Children under 16 can access all outdoor settings but can only visit indoor venues with members of their household.

Meanwhile Israel who had a rapid rollout of the vaccine with the majority of its adult population fully vaccinated with daily case numbers close to zero, are currently experiencing record case numbers including a record high daily of 16,011 earlier this month.

Written by Adam Byrnes (Principal Immigration Lawyer)