What you can do in NSW from today

Up to 30 guests can be welcomed into someone’s home, and there will be no cap on the number of people allowed in hospitality venues, after major changes were unveiled on Wednesday.The decision was reached after a crisis cabinet meeting, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealing other changes including an ease on gathering caps.From Friday, 50 people will be allowed to gather in groups outdoors and weddings can have up to 300 guests – but the one person per 4 sqm rule will still apply and only 20 guests will be allowed on the dance floor.

Masks are no longer compulsory while shopping but they are still mandatory on public transport, in gaming rooms, beauty salons, hairdressers and places of worship.The news will come as a welcome relief for hospitality venues, who can host as many patrons so long as they adhere to the one person per 4 sqm rule.The Premier said the decision to relax restrictions was based on advice from chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant.
All of the changes listed below came into force at 12.01am Friday:
Visitors to households increased to 30 guests – including childrenOutdoor gatherings limited to 50 peopleWeddings and funerals will be capped at 300 people – fully seated and subject to the one person per 4 sqm rule with no singing or dancing (20 people are allowed on the dance floor)There will be no cap at hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues but they will be subject to the one person per 4 sqm ruleSmaller hospitality venues are allowed at least 25 people

Singing indoors including choirs or places of worship is limited to five peopleMasks are recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venuesMasks will remain mandatory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming roomsAged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearingMs Berejiklian also hinted at changing the 4 sqm rule to 2 sqm in two weeks, if case numbers remain low.

“We will also consider the high likelihood, a high probability, of restrictions easing further in two weeks,” Ms Berejiklian said during Wednesday’s media address.“We’re sending this message out today so that businesses can be prepared.”When asked why the government hasn’t eased restrictions all at once, the Premier argued health experts said another two weeks of no community transmission would indicate it was safe to do so.Deputy Premier John Barilaro said easing restrictions will provide some relief for venues, businesses and communities across the state.“These changes will provide more certainty to plan events such as weddings and functions, and will give businesses more clarity around restrictions while still remaining COVID-Safe” Mr Barilaro said.Restrictions have been in place since December when the northern beaches outbreak began.NSW has marked 11 days of no community transmission.