COVID-19 Update – Roadmap to recovery announced, 11 October firms as 70% double dose day, 787 new cases – Monday, 27 September 2021
NSW has a clear path to follow out of the pandemic and lockdowns, with the roadmap for easing restrictions at the 80 per cent double dose target revealing a brighter future for the community.
From the Monday after NSW hits the 80 per cent (aged 16 and over) double dose vaccination target, eased restrictions will allow those who are fully vaccinated to have up to 10 people visit their home, participate in community sport, and access hospitality venues (where drinking while standing up will be allowed indoors). All premises will operate at 1 person per 4sqm indoors, and 1 person per 2sqm outdoors.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the 80 per cent roadmap will also remove the limit of fully vaccinated guests for weddings and funerals, and remove customer caps for personal services such as hairdressers.
“I know people are counting down the minutes until we reach 70 per cent double dose and the freedoms that will provide, and today we are providing further certainty by announcing the 80 per cent roadmap and future settings,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Vaccination remains our ticket to freedom so we need to work even harder to get jabs in arms, to help stop the spread, minimise outbreaks and ensure people are protected when we open up.”
Given updated health advice, adjustments have been made to the 70 per cent roadmap. Regional travel will now not be allowed until 80 per cent (fully vaccinated only), and a booking cap has been introduced for hospitality venues of 20 people per booking.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the NSW Government is considering changes to incoming international arrival caps, so more people can return home for Christmas.
“The NSW Government’s 70 per cent roadmap lifts fully vaccinated people out of lockdown and when we reach 80 per cent, restrictions will ease even further,” Mr Barilaro said.
“The key continues to be vaccination rates, so please do not hesitate and book in for your free COVID-19 vaccine today so we can reach these targets as soon as possible.
“I must also clarify that travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will only be permitted when the state reaches 80 per cent double dose. This change is necessary to give some regional areas the time they need to increase local vaccination rates.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the milestone marked a shift in gear for the State’s economic recovery.
“There’s a real sense of optimism returning to our community as our vaccination rates keep climbing and that’s giving businesses the confidence they need to reopen and for people to start returning to work and getting their lives back on track,” Mr Perrottet said.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard thanked the people of NSW for their sacrifices.
“Our health workers continue to rely on people to make smart choices, to keep a safe distance, not go to work when they are feeling unwell and to get tested when they show the slightest of symptoms.
“It’s that dedication which allows us to ease some of the restrictions again and to begin the process of opening up the state,” Mr Hazzard said.
The roadmap may be fine-tuned by NSW Health as we monitor the COVID-19 situation over the coming weeks.
From 1 December further changes will be introduced including all venues moving to the 2sqm rule, masks will not be required indoors at offices, indoor pools and nightclubs can reopen, and unvaccinated people will have greater freedoms.
If you are not booked in for a COVID-19 vaccine, please book an appointment as soon possible. For the latest information visit nsw.gov.au/covid-19
787 new cases
NSW recorded 787 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night.
One new case was acquired overseas, and 10 previously reported cases have been excluded following further investigation. The total number of cases in NSW since the beginning of the pandemic is 59,520.
Of the 787 locally acquired cases reported to 8pm last night, 239 are from South Western Sydney Local Health District (LHD), 158 are from Western Sydney LHD, 74 are from Sydney LHD, 73 are from South Eastern Sydney LHD, 63 are from Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD, 46 are from Hunter New England LHD, 43 are from Nepean Blue Mountains LHD, 29 are from Central Coast LHD, 24 are from Western NSW LHD, 16 are from Northern Sydney LHD, nine are from Southern NSW LHD, four are from Far West LHD, four are in correctional settings, one is from Mid North Coast LHD, and four cases are yet to be assigned to an LHD.
There were 93,577 COVID-19 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 106,451.
12 deaths
Sadly, NSW Health is today reporting the deaths of 12 people with COVID-19 – six men and six women.
Four people were in their 60s, two people were in their 70s, four people were in their 80s, and two people were in their 90s.
Six people were not vaccinated, five people had received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and one person had received two doses.
One person was from Sydney’s inner west, one person was from Sydney’s eastern suburbs, one person was from Wollongong, two people were from south-eastern Sydney, two people were from western Sydney, and five people were from south-western Sydney.
NSW Health extends its sincere condolences to their loved ones.
There have been 309 COVID-19 related deaths in NSW since 16 June 2021 and 365 in total since the start of the pandemic.
There have been 53,865 locally acquired cases reported since 16 June 2021, when the first case in this outbreak was reported.
There are currently 1,155 COVID-19 cases admitted to hospital, with 214 people in intensive care, 115 of whom require ventilation.
Get vaccinated
NSW Health administered 19,184 COVID-19 vaccines in the 24 hours to 8pm last night including 6,173 vaccinations at Qudos Bank Arena Vaccination Centre.
Across NSW, 85.5 per cent of the over-16 population has received a first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, and 60.1 per cent are fully vaccinated to 11.59pm on Saturday 25 September 2021.
The total number of vaccines administered in NSW is now 9,693,999, with 3,465,893 doses administered by NSW Health to 8pm last night and 6,228,106 administered by the GP network and other providers to 11.59pm on Saturday 25 September 2021.
All people aged 12 and up can get their COVID-19 vaccination now! Appointments are available at more than 3000 locations across NSW including pharmacies, GPs and NSW Health clinics. Find the next available appointment at a location near you.
Get tested
If you are directed to get tested for COVID‑19 or self-isolate at any time, you must follow the rules whether or not the venue or exposure setting is listed on the NSW Health website.
It remains vital that anyone who has any symptoms or is a close or casual contact of a person with COVID-19, isolates and is tested immediately. When testing clinics are busy, please ensure you stay in line, identify yourself to staff and tell them that you have symptoms or are a contact of a case.
Please check the NSW Government website regularly, and follow the relevant health advice if you have attended a venue of concern or travelled on a public transport route at the same time as a confirmed case of COVID-19. This list is being updated regularly as case investigations proceed.
You must be logged in to post a comment.