Hospitality venues across the Australian state have been given the green light to move forward with minimal restrictions from the New South Wales Government.
QR codes are no longer necessary at venues besides nightclubs and music festivals with more than 1,000 people. The 2sqm density limits have been scrapped and singing and dancing has also returned at venues. From 25 February, masks are encouraged for customer-facing staff working in indoor settings.
“We don’t want restrictions in place for any longer than necessary and with hospitalisation and ICU rates trending downwards now is the right time to make sensible changes,” said New South Wales Dominic Perrottet.
“As we continue to move forward out of the pandemic, we are ensuring that we keep people safe and people in jobs so life can return to normal as quickly and safely as possible.”
Victoria has also followed suit. The state dropped density limits and allowed dance floors to reopen from 6pm 18 February. QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues.
“We always said these measures wouldn’t be in place for a minute longer than they are needed, and with hospitalisation numbers decreasing and less pressure on our health system, now is a sensible time to make changes,” said Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews.
It’s hopefully a sign of things to come for the Kiwi hospitality sector as New Zealand looks across the ditch for lessons it can learn in its response to the Omicron outbreak.
