COVID-19 Update: Details of NSW’s Reopening

Here’s what businesses are permitted to do now that the state has reached its 70 percent vaccination target.
COVID-19 Update: Details of NSW’s Reopening
October 13, 2021

New South Wales has reached the state’s 70 percent full vaccination target and is now able to enjoy eased restrictions for fully vaccinated individuals.

“Every citizen in the State has made huge sacrifices in the past couple of months to keep ourselves, our loved ones and our communities safe,” Treasurer Matt Kean said. “As restrictions start to ease and we reach key milestones in our Roadmap, we have to get business back to business and get the economy going while staying safe.”

The following businesses and services are permitted to open with the following public health measures in place:

  • Masks must be worn by all staff and customers indoors, but only required for front-of-house hospitality staff in outdoor settings.
  • All staff and customers must participate in COVID Safe check-ins.
  • Businesses must check an individual’s proof of vaccination before allowing entry.
  • Businesses must operate at a capacity limit of one person per four square metres indoors and one person per two square metres outdoors.

Additional requirements for specific businesses include:

Hospitality services

  • Restaurants and hospitality venues must operate at the capacity limit for up to 20 people per booking.
  • Individuals who are not fully vaccinated are only permitted to use take-away services.
  • Singing indoors is not permitted, with the exception of performers.
  • Individuals must be seated when drinking indoors. People may drink while seated or while standing when drinking outdoors.
  • Dancing is only permitted outdoors, except at weddings.

Event and entertainment venues

  • Major recreation and entertainment venues such as stadiums, race courses and theme parks must operate at the capacity limit for up to 5,000 people, or by exemption.
  • Entertainment facilities such as cinemas and theatres must operate at the capacity limit or 75 percent fixed seated capacity, whichever is greater.
  • Ticketed and seated outdoor public gatherings are allowed with the capacity limit for up to 500 people.
  • Nightclubs and amusement centres remain closed.

Weddings and religious services

  • Wedding ceremonies are permitted with the capacity limit for up to 100 people. There is a 5-person limit for individuals who are not fully vaccinated.
  • Wedding receptions are permitted with the capacity limit for up to 100 people. Wedding receptions are not permitted for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. People must remain seated while eating and drinking, and dancing is permitted.
  • Funerals are allowed with the capacity limit for up to 100 people. There is a 10-person limit for individuals who are not fully vaccinated. People must remain seated while eating and drinking.

Additional restrictions will be eased once the state reaches its target of 80 percent full vaccination, with the goal of fully reopening by December 1.