The NSW Government has announced it will ease a series of restrictions across the state, to allow more people to gather at Christmas time.

From Tuesday, 1 December, groups of up to 50 people can gather outdoors in a public space (currently 30) and small hospitality venues (up to 200 square metres in size) will be allowed to have one person per two square metres indoors.

Up to 50 people will be allowed to visit a residence as long as an outdoor space is being utilised, however it is recommended no more than 30 people gather if the residence has no outdoor area.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the community has done an “incredible job this year” in adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.

“I hope these changes provide a boost to the hospitality industry and give people certainty in how they can celebrate safely with family, friends and colleagues over the Christmas and New Year period,” she said.

Also among the changes, from Monday 14 December the Public Health Order requiring employers to allow employees to work from home will be repealed.

When and if employees return to workplaces, employers are encouraged to have COVID-Safe plans in place and to consider staggering starting and finishing times to reduce the impact on public transport.

NSW Government is still strong encouraging commuters to wear a mask while using public transport.

Corporate events remain capped at 300 delegates.

More information on current restrictions is available here.