The NSW Government has officially released its re-opening roadmap, which sets the path for businesses in the hospitality, retail and fitness industries to reopen from the Monday following NSW reaching the 70 per cent ‘double dose’ milestone, currently expected to be in mid-October.

The initiatives include:

  • Hospitality venues can reopen with one person per 4 square metres indoors and per 2 square metres outdoors
  • Retail stores can reopen with one person per 4 square metres
  • Personal grooming services can operate with one person per 4 square metres, capped at 5 clients per premises
  • Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can reopen with one person per 4 square metres – with classes limited to a maximum of 20 people.
  • Domestic travel, including travel to regional NSW can return
  • Weddings and funerals can resume with up to 50 people in attendance.
  • Employers must allow staff to continue to work from home if they can
  • Masks will remain mandatory for all public indoor venues

“This roadmap is what the business community has been crying out for and I thank the NSW Government for providing the path forward,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Daniel Hunter.

“Although we have all been through a very tough time, NSW is now leading the way in vaccinations, learning to live with Covid and reopening for business,” Mr Hunter said.

“Some certainty for businesses will be a massive boost.

“Businesses can start planning their re-opening right now, they can order stock, engage staff and re-engage with their loyal customers.

“It’s been incredibly difficult for businesses during this Delta outbreak because the bills have kept coming in, without any revenue.

“What’s really important is that the community supports their local businesses in huge numbers from mid-October but plays their part and adheres to the Covid Safe rules in place.

“I know business owners will also need to be vigilant in ensuring staff and customers play by the rules to ensure COVID Safe measures are always adhered to.

“Regional NSW businesses will be celebrating with domestic travel allowing many to capitalize in the countdown to Christmas.

“Together, we can make October the start of New South Wales getting back to business,” Mr Hunter said.