SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
After more than 100 days of restrictions, NSW will today take its first steps towards living with COVID-19.
Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses are busy re-stocking their fridges, dusting off their tables and chairs as the state prepares to re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Businesses will open to customers today (Monday, 11 October), with patrons required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
NSW Premier, Dominic Perrottet said today was the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
“There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the State busy preparing to open their doors. NSW you’ve earned this,” Mr Perrottet said.
“As we re-open after more than 100 days we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
“Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.”
Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney, Stuart Ayres welcomed the reopening and reminded people to act responsibly when going out.
“NSW has pulled together to get our vaccination rate to more than 70%, which means we can begin the reopening process. We need the same spirit of cooperation to keep people safe and ensure that venues remain open,” he said.
“Like many people, I can’t wait to have a beer and a schnitty at my local, but we all have a responsibility to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.”
Health Minister, Brad Hazzard said it is vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state’s rates of double vaccination even higher.
“The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70% double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100% double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe,” Mr Hazzard said.
“Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus, together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms – which all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.”
Digital and Customer Service Minister, Victor Dominello said people should have their vaccination status ready to go.
“There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia,” Mr Dominello said
“We have successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
“The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.”
View NSW’s 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions.
