NSW live venue ‘density’ restrictions will be lifted in December

Christmas should be a cracker for live music fans and event organisers in New South Wales: State government is promising to lift venue capacity restrictions deep into December.

Dominic Perrottet’s Government has updated the roadmap for easing restrictions, which come into play when the state reaches the 95 per cent double dose vaccination target, or Dec. 15, whichever comes first.

Currently, more than 92 per cent of NSW residents over 16 are vaccinated.

When that milestone is reached, live venues can open their doors without the drag of “density” rules, though, due to officials’ “responsible and measured approach to reopening,” some regulations will remain in place.

What a difference a month makes. On Nov. 2, government announced it would ease its density limits to 1 person per 2 sqm rule, though, when the magical 95% milestone is reached, those rules will no longer apply.

In future, QR check-ins will still be required at so-called “high-risk venues,” which include pubs, small bars and nightclubs, reads a statement from NSW Health, and proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

An update on the further easing of restrictions in NSW. #Auspol2021 #nswpol #COVID19Aus pic.twitter.com/9PVAUyPMaM

— Dominic Perrottet (@Dom_Perrottet) November 25, 2021

Earlier, music festivals promoters were told their events could take place next month with a 20,000 capacity and density limits, though the latter will presumably be dumped.

Masks, however, can be ditched for gigs, but will be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.

“The easing of these restrictions,” says Perrottet in a statement, “will allow people to get out and enjoy summer providing a boost for some of our hardest industries as we do everything we can to ensure we keep people safe as we learn to live with COVID.”

NSW is at the top of the vaccination leaderboard among states, with only the ACT residents having a greater rate of double-vaxxes.

The state reports 261 total new COVID cases and 2,359 active cases.

Read more here.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.