The easing of COVID-19 restrictions today means almost all businesses and organisations can go back to operating at full capacity, making it a significant step in the economic and social recovery of the area.

All venues must work within the one person per two square metres rule, but they are now allowed to have at least 25 people inside before that rule applies. These new restrictions have made it the first time that there have been almost no limits on venue numbers since the start of the pandemic.

It will be a positive change for local businesses who see it as an opportunity to grow again and return back to what was normal.

“The easing of restrictions will have the biggest impact on the weddings we hold here,” says Craig Hardy, General Manager of The Sebel Harbourside Kiama.

“The restriction on dancing had a big impact for weddings and while we have hosted about 14 this year already, controlling the 20 people on the dance floor was one of the trickier aspects of the restrictions.

“The inability to stand up with a drink was a big part of it and the removal of that restriction will make it one of the biggest and most positive changes for us as a business.”

Restrictions have also been loosened in places of worship allowing congregations to sing during ceremonies and events.

“We are so thrilled to be able to sing again in church, it’s not the most important thing we do but its such beautiful slice of heaven to sing out loud and rejoice together,” says Rev. Jodie McNeill, senior minister of Jamberoo Anglican Church.

“We have been meeting together as much as we could within the restrictions but not being able to sing together has been one of the hardest things.

“As the minister, I often lead the music and it’s not the same to be singing with gusto from the front of the church and looking to a room full of everybody busting to sing out loud but they can’t.”

Amongst the changes which were put into place today are:

• No limits on weddings and funerals
• No restrictions on singing including in places of worship
• No restrictions on dancing at weddings, pubs and nightclubs
• No limit on visitors in homes (more than 100 people requires a COVID-19 safety plan and electronic recording of details).
• 200 people allowed for personal outdoor public gatherings
• All venues must move to the one person per 2sqm rule
• 100 percent seated capacity allowed at entertainment venues including stadiums and theatres
• Mask use including on public transport will move from ‘mandatory’ to ‘strongly recommended’.

For full details and clarification, please go to : www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules/what-you-can-do-nsw