Still Confused About Today’s Reopening Rules? We Answer Your FAQs

Today at 12.01am Sydney’s 107-day lockdown ended for the fully vaxxed. Sydneysiders queued for haircuts, hit the shops and visited gyms for the first time in months. But while we’re all fairly across what our new “freedoms” are – going to the pub, shops reopening and eating inside restaurants – some rules are still confusing. When can we leave Greater Sydney? Where can we take off our masks? And when do we have to go back to the office? Read on for some of the post-lockdown world’s most murky questions, answered.

Can I go on holiday yet?
Not if it’s outside Greater Sydney. But Greater Sydney does include the Central Coast, Blue Mountains, Shellharbour and Wollongong, so you can absolutely visit those areas – as long as you’re fully vaccinated – until the rules change. Rules for holiday homes and hotel rooms are the same as those that apply to your own home – you can only stay in them with people from your household, or with nine other, fully vaccinated people. And people from areas outside Greater Sydney can’t enter the region – but they can holiday anywhere else in New South Wales. These rules include day trips, as well as overnight stays. (So no, you can’t go to the wineries for the day and return to Sydney that night.)

When do I have to wear a mask?
While we’ve all been excited about drinking tap beer again, the fact that mask rules have loosened a little haven’t been as widely talked about. You no longer have to put on a mask when you leave the house if you’re fully vaccinated. But, if you’re over 12, you still need to wear a mask in public indoor areas (like supermarkets, shops, at the library); in common indoor areas of apartment buildings; at public transport waiting areas and on public transport; if you’re working front-of-house in hospitality; and in the airport and on any aircraft while it’s flying above NSW. You have to wear a mask indoors in a hospitality venue but can remove your mask to eat or drink.

Do I have to go back to the office?
You can if you’re fully vaccinated and want to – but your employer can’t force you to if you can reasonably work from home. You still need to wear a mask in the office, unless you’re the only one in the room.

How can I prove I’m fully vaccinated?
The NSW Government plans on integrating vaccine certificates into your Service NSW check-in app, but that’s still in pilot mode. For now, check out our guide to adding yours to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay. You can also show a digital Covid-19 certificate from the Australian Immunisation Register on your phone.

What types of businesses can’t open yet?
There are still some businesses that can’t reopen for the moment, including amusement centres (places where you can play pool, pinball machines and arcade games); play centres; nightclubs; sex service premises, and strip clubs.

Can I stand up and drink?
You can – as long as you’re outdoors. Once we hit 80 per cent vaccinated, you can stand up and drink inside.

What changes when we’re 80 per cent vaccinated?
The Monday after we achieve that 80 per cent vaccination milestone, further changes will be made – again, only for those who have been fully vaccinated. Based on current vaccination rates, we’re due to hit that target on October 25. When we get there, you won’t have to wear a mask at work (unless you’re unvaccinated). You’ll be able to travel outside of Greater Sydney. And you can have 20 people in your home, or have an outdoors gathering with 50 people.

Drinking while standing up indoors will be allowed and nightclubs will reopen (but you won’t be able to dance). The five-person cap on hairdressers will be lifted, and you’ll be able to have as many people as you like at your wedding – as long as they’re all fully vaccinated. And 3000 people will be able to attend outdoor ticketed events.

New South Wales is reopening, but the pandemic isn’t over. We’re entering a new phase of living with Covid-19: some of us will be going out like crazy, while others might prefer to stay at home for now. If you want to support your favourite venues and businesses, ensure you're adhering to current health advice. The Covid-19 situation is evolving and public health requirements are still subject to change. If you have concerns about visiting businesses or public spaces, or questions about self-isolation or coronavirus testing, see the latest updates from the NSW Government.