File photo
The NSW government is to make a number of adjustments to the COVID- 19 roadmap, to occur when the state reaches 95% fully vaccinated level or from December 15, whichever comes first.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said NSW's status as one of the most-vaccinated populations in the world had made the further easing of restrictions possible.
"We're leading the world when it comes to vaccinations and that is a tremendous achievement we can all be proud of because it has allowed us to return to normal as quickly and safely as possible," Mr Perrottet said.
"The easing of these restrictions will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID."
Currently in NSW all people over the age of 12 must wear masks while indoors in places other than a residence, in residential common areas, on public transport and while working in hospitality or retail. Adults over 18 face fines of $500 for failing to carry or wear a mask under the current laws.
Under new rules announced on Thursday masks would only be compulsory on public transport, planes, at airports and for unvaccinated front-of-house hospitality staff.
However, masks will still be strongly encouraged in settings where people cannot socially distance.
The new rules will also scale back the use of QR code check-ins to only high-risk settings such as hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, beauty care venues, places of worship and funerals.
Today's figures saw a reduction from yesterday's reported total cases by 15, with hospital cases also down by 6 and ICU cases down by 4. There is no death. Down 4. Deaths 0. The vaccination rate is slowly increasing to the desired level of 95% fully vaccinated.
