- The NSW state government confirms Monday will bring more freedom to the 70 per cent of the population who are fully vaccinated
- MP Perrottet says as the state reaches 80 and 90 per cent vaccination levels, restrictions will continue to ease
- Federal Finance Minister Josh Frydenburg says states and territories must wean off Federal financial support when they hit 80 per cent vaccination rates
- Unvaccinated but eligible people will not enjoy the freedoms of the rest of the state, as encouragement for a higher vaccine rate continues
The NSW state government has confirmed Monday will likely bring more freedom to the 70 per cent of the population who are fully vaccinated.
In the past 24 hours, NSW has recorded 648 new local cases, the origins of most cases remains unknown.
NSW State premier Dominic Perrottet brought the reopening forward, defending his decision against the Australian Medical Association, who warned rash decisions come at the cost of lives.
MP Perrottet said as the state reaches 80 and 90 per cent vaccination levels, more restrictions will ease with the hopes of borders being opened for Christmas.
Economic support
Federal Finance Minister Josh Frydenburg was confident COVID-19 lockdowns would not wreck the economy.
“As for the economy, we are confident it will bounce back as it has done before when we have gone into lockdowns. The Delta strain has delayed but not derailed the economic recovery,” minister Frydenburg said.
He reiterated states and territories were to wean off Federal financial support when the state hits 80 per cent vaccination rates, saying it’s a better way to “learn to live with [the virus] in a COVID-safe way.”
Restrictions ease for some
Unvaccinated but eligible people will not enjoy the freedoms of the rest of the state, as encouragement for a higher vaccine rate continues.
Those with medical exemptions will enjoy the liberties along with most.
Starting Monday, up to 30 people will be allowed to gather outdoors and 10 visitors inside, children under 12 will not contribute to the cap.
Unvaccinated children under 16 being will be legible for freedoms if accompanied by a vaccinated adult from their household.
For hospitality patrons, seated reservations of 20 people will be accepted, with mandatory masks and check-ins required for indoor venues.
Unvaccinated people will get access to food and medical necessities while vaccinated citizens will gain access to regular retail spaces with patron limits in place.