Update on the NSW Public Health Order

The NSW Government has released the new Public Health (COVID-19 General) Order (No 2) 2021 (NSW) (New Public Health Order) as part of its Roadmap to easing restrictions, which is to take effect on 15 December 2021.

What restrictions are included in the New Public Health Order?

Masks: Masks are only required on planes and public transport, including taxis and rideshare services, at airports and for indoor hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated and dealing directly with members of the public, subject to the usual exceptions.
COVID-19 Safe Check-Ins: COVID-19 Safe Check-Ins are only required for certain venues, including pubs, registered clubs, small bars and night clubs, hospitals, gyms, places of public worship, funerals or memorial services, beauty services including hairdressers, spas, nail salons and massage parlours, residential care facilities, strip clubs, personal services including sex services and indoor music festivals with over 1,000 fully-vaccinated people.
Contact tracers: A person remains required to answer questions, provide information regarding their movements or their contact details to contact tracers as requested.

What restrictions no longer apply?

The following restrictions no longer apply:

Density limits: There are no longer any density limits for all settings.
COVID-19 Safety Plans: These plans are now optional for businesses.
Masks: Are only required in the above limited circumstances and are no longer required outdoors.
Limits in households: There are no limits on visitors to households or to the number of people allowed at outdoor public gatherings for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Limits in exercise and recreation: There are no person limits in gyms, indoor recreation or sporting facilities. Community sport is permitted for everyone.
Shopping and personal services: Non-critical retail is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.
Restaurants and hospitality: There is no person limit in hospitality venues, singing and dancing is permitted indoors and outdoors for all and drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing.
Working from home: It is now at the employer’s discretion to allow employees to work from home.
Travel: There are no restrictions on travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW for all.
Events and entertainment: There are no person limits for major recreation, entertainment and information and education facilities e.g. museums. There are also no person limits for weddings and funerals.