A number of COVID-safe rules have eased across Greater Sydney this week, despite authorities continuing their search for a missing link between positive COVID cases.

The NSW Government reinstated mask wearing and social distancing rules in early May, when a husband and wife returned positive COVID-19 tests.

The rules were extended while authorities searched for the link between the two cases and a recently returned traveller from the US who tested positive in hotel quarantine.

With no more cases reported across the state, the government has begun rolling back the restrictions this week.

From Monday 17 May 2021, drinking while standing up is allowed at indoor venues in Greater Sydney, including Wollongong, Central Coast and the Blue Mountains, as is group singing indoors and dancing at nightclubs.

Masks are no longer compulsory on public transport or for customer-facing staff in hospitality venues, however they are strongly recommended where social distancing is not possible.

However it is still mandatory to wear a face mask in airports and during domestic commercial flights.

Greater Sydney residents can now have up to 100 visitors at a time in their home and up to 200 people can gather in an outdoor public place.

The one person per two square metre rule still applies for venues, including conference and function centres.