Although Wagga and large parts of the Riverina have been out of lockdown for roughly one month, some restrictions will be re-introduced for unvaccinated residents from Monday.
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Certain rules on gatherings, visiting friends and family, mask wearing and shopping will also be in place for those who are fully-vaccinated.
On October 11 New South Wales will begin reopening now that 70 per cent of the state has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
From Monday lockdown will be lifted across the state and replaced by the roadmap to reopening, allowing certain freedoms to those who have had both doses of a COVID vaccine.
Further freedoms will be outlined for fully-vaccinated people once the state hits 80 per cent double-dosed.
The government has also suggested by December 1 the state will reach a third stage of reopening, with minimal restrictions and further freedoms for those who aren't fully vaccinated.
From Monday, the following rules apply:
Mask wearing
- Masks are required for all staff and customers in all indoor settings, including public transport, planes and in airports (this does not apply to children under 12)
- Masks are not required in outdoor settings, except for front-of-house hospitality staff
- COVID Safe check-ins and proof of vaccination are required for staff and customers
Rules for those not fully vaccinated
- Outdoor gatherings and recreation is only permitted in groups of two
- Non-critical retail shopping can only be accessed via Click & Collect
- Restaurants and hospitality venues will only be able to offer takeaway
- Employers require staff who are not fully vaccinated to work from home, if reasonable
- Carpooling is only permitted with members of your household for people not fully vaccinated
From Monday, the following freedoms are permitted for those who are fully vaccinated:
Visiting family and friends
- Up to ten visitors are allowed in your home at any one time (visitor limits don't include children under 12)
- Small outdoor gatherings and recreation is permitted with up to 30 people
- Visitors to residents in aged care facilities and disability homes will be permitted in line with their policies
Exercise and recreation
- Gyms, indoor recreation and sporting facilities reopen with density limits and up to 20 people in classes
- No distance limits apply for exercise or recreation
- Indoor swimming pools can open for lessons, training and rehab activities
- Community sports are not permitted
Schools
- All school students will now return to on-site learning with COVID Safe measures in place by October 25
- Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 12 students will return to face-to-face learning on October 18
- All other years will return one week later on October 25
Shopping and personal services
- Non-critical retail reopens with density limits
- Personal services (such as hairdressers, spas, beauty and nail salons, tattoo and massage parlous) will reopen with density limits for up to five clients
Restaurants and hospitality
- Hospitality will reopen with a density limit for up to 20 people per booking
- No singing is permitted indoors, except for performers
- Drinking indoors must be seated, but drinking outdoors may be seated or standing
- Dancing is permitted outdoors, and dancing indoors is not permitted (except at weddings)
Working from home
- Employers to allow staff to continue to work from home, if reasonable
- Workers in regional areas who have received one vaccination dose will be permitted to return to their workplace from October 11 and given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose
Events and entertainment
- Major recreation facilities, such as stadiums, theme parks and race courses, will reopen with density limits for up to 5000 people, or by exemption
- Entertainment facilities, such as cinemas and theatres, will reopen with density limits or 75 per cent fixed seat capacity
- Information and education facilities, such as art galleries, museums and libraries, will reopen with density limits
- Ticketed and seated outdoor public gatherings will be permitted for up to 500 people with density limits
- Amusement centres and nightclubs will remain closed
Travel and transport
- Local government LGAs currently subject to stay-at-home orders will have their restricted travel within LGA/5km radius removed
- Travel for holidays and recreational visits - including day trips - between Greater Sydney and regional NSW is not permitted
- Travel holidays between regional local government areas is permitted
- Carpooling is permitted
- Caravan parks and camping grounds will reopen, including for people who are not fully vaccinated
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Emily Wind
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
Originally from Lake Macquarie, Emily kickstarted her journalism career in Tumut before moving to the Daily Advertiser in Wagga where she covers Health and Features. Got a story tip? Email emily.wind@austcommunitymedia.com.au, or call 0457 459 095.
