The New South Wales Government has today announced that restrictions will be eased for those fully vaccinated on “the Monday after” the state reaches its 70 percent double vaccination target.

While an exact “Freedom Day” date hasn’t been announced, New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian made it clear that it all depends on when that double-dose vaccination threshold is met, stressing that only fully vaccinated people and those with medical exemptions will be able to enjoy the new freedoms.

With 75 percent of people having received their first COVID-19 vaccination, NSW is currently expected to reach its target by mid-October.

As part of the roadmap to reopening, restrictions will be eased across a number of industries, including retail and hospitality, as well as in terms of movement and gathering.

In regards to events, major outdoor facilities such as stadiums, theme parks and zoos can reopen for up to 5,000 people at one person per four-square-metres. Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events, while indoor venues such as cinemas, theatres, music halls, galleries and museums can reopen with one person per four-square-metres, or at 75 percent fixed seat capacity. Up to 20 people can gather in an outdoor public space.

Hospitality venues such as pubs and restaurants, can reopen with one person per four-square-metres indoors, and one person per two-square-metres outside, with drinking whilst standing permitted in outdoor areas only.

While domestic travel including trips to regional New South Wales back on the cards, interstate travel will depend on restrictions from other states.

It was also announced that several regional parts of New South Wales which haven’t had any local COVID-19 cases for at least 14 days, would come out of lockdown on Saturday 11 September, but with certain restrictions still in place.