Workers in regional NSW who’ve had a single COVID-19 vaccination will be able to return to their workplaces on Monday when the state starts emerging from months of lockdown.

Deputy Premier Paul Toole said workers in regional areas who’ve had one jab will be given a grace period until November 1 to receive their second dose because it had been harder for people to access the vaccine in the regions.

The concession would ensure “we get businesses in the regions re-opening and local economies buzzing again”, he said. 

Under the roadmap announced by former premier Gladys Berejiklian, all regional NSW staff were required to be fully vaccinated to return to work on October 11 but significant changes were made to the plan on Wednesday night.

“Today we’re getting ready for reopening the NSW economy in a prudent and COVID-safe way,” Mr Toole said on Thursday.

The crisis cabinet – under the new leadership of Premier Dominic Perrottet – will now be known as the COVID and Economic Recovery Committee.

More than 70 per cent of adults in NSW are now fully vaccinated – triggering a range of new freedoms from Monday.

Mr Toole said there was no consideration given to expediting unlimited travel in NSW – which will be allowed when the state reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination milestone – expected on October 25.

However, people living in regional areas from Monday will be able to travel to other regional NSW communities, he said.

“When we get to 80 per cent, people in Greater Sydney will be able to come out into the regions,” he said.

Regional areas are those outside Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, Wollongong, Shellharbour and the Central Coast.

AAP

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