Sydney gets ready for October re-opening

Sydney's cafes, restaurants and pubs are set to reopen to fully vaccinated citizens from Monday, 11 October when it is expected that the city will reach the 70 per cent double vaccination target.

"I can say quite confidently we envisage 11 October will be the day we will be able to adhere to that roadmap and I just say to everybody across the state, thank you so much for your patience," Ms Berejiklian said.

"It is just this week and next week that we have to hang in there for. We are nearly, nearly there, and let's not give up at the last minute."

Hospitality venues can reopen subject to 1 person per 4 sqm inside and 1 person per 2 sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.

From the Monday after the whole state of New South Wales hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow freedom of movement throughout the state of New South Wales.

At Monday's press conference, the Premier Berejiklian said this target was likely to be reached "about a fortnight" later when hospitality venues can operate with one person per 4 sqm inside and one person per 2 sqm outside, with the requirement to be seated while drinking indoors removed. Group bookings will be limited to 20 people. Those who are not fully vaccinated can only access hospitality settings for takeaway

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said, "I must also clarify that travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose. This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery.

“There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.

From 1 December further changes will be introduced including all venues moving to the 2sqm rule, masks will not be required indoors at offices, indoor pools and nightclubs can reopen, and unvaccinated people will have greater freedoms.

Restaurants &Catering Australia CEO Wes Lambert said that certainty around new rules for hospitality venues will have the industry cheering. 

"New South Wales’ hospitality industry is on cloud nine today and we would like to thank the NSW Government for their ongoing consultation during this period. This roadmap will give certainty in the most uncertain of times," said Mr Lambert.