The NSW business community has welcomed the plan to fully re-open the state in December saying they can now plan for Christmas, order supplies and employ staff.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Monday a three-stage roadmap to re-opening the state with the first significant freedoms expected on on October 11, when 70 per cent of residents are expected to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Business NSW CEO Daniel Hunter has dubbed it ‘back-to-business day’.
“It’s been an uncertain time for many businesses with lots of confusion about which businesses will be able to open and under what rules,” he said in a statement.
New public health orders to accompany the relaxing of restrictions meant businesses no longer had to act as security guards, with the onus put back on individuals to abide by rules, he said.
Shops, hospitality venues, gyms and sporting facilities can open to the fully vaccinated but remain capped under one person per four sq/m rule.
Indoor entertainment facilities and large-scale seated venues will also be operational at 75 per cent capacity.
About two weeks later the state is on track for 80 per cent coverage, when travel between Greater Sydney and regional NSW will also resume.
Personal services such as hairdressers, spas and massage parlours can then open at one person per four sq/m, while an unlimited number of fully vaccinated guests can attend weddings and funerals.
From December there will no longer be restrictions on how many people can visit a home or gather outdoors and density will increase to one person per two sq/m.
Business Council CEO Jennifer Westacott said the plan showed it was possible to re-open safely in line with vaccination milestones.
“For businesses, it means they can plan for Christmas, start ordering supplies and roster on staff for more hours,” she said.
“By nominating 1st December as the date for the state to fully reopen, NSW is putting an end to the stop-start mindset that undermines confidence, kills jobs and holds back our recovery.”
“We encourage all other states and territories to work towards this date to reopen, reunite country and let us get on with the task of recovery.”
Restaurant and Catering chief executive Wes Lambert said having people standing up while eating and drinking and group bookings of 20 allows venues to cater for end-of-lockdown celebrations.
‘NSW’s hospitality industry is on cloud nine today and we would like to thank the NSW government for their ongoing consultation during this period,” Mr Lambert said in a statement.
AAP
Get all the latest Canberra news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.
