A 10th straight day of zero locally acquired COVID-19 cases will see restrictions eased in NSW from Friday.
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Up to 30 people will be allowed to visit a home and a maximum of 50 people will be able to gather outside.
Also from Friday, people visiting shops will no longer have to wear masks if they choose.
Read more: NSW COVID restrictions set to be eased
Other changes include weddings and funerals to be capped at 300 people (fully seated) subject to the one person per 4sqm rule with no singing or dancing (except 20 nominated people in the wedding party can dance).
All other venues including hospitality venues, places of worship and corporate event venues (fully seated with no singing or dancing) will be subject to the one person per 4sqm rule.
Smaller hospitality venues will be allowed at least 25 people and singing indoors including choirs or places of worship will be limited to five people.
Masks will be recommended but no longer compulsory at retail shopping venues. Masks however will remain compulsory for front-of-house hospitality staff, on public transport, in places of worship, hairdressers, beauticians and gaming rooms.
Aged care facilities and other health settings such as hospitals will receive tailored advice from NSW Health specific to their locations in relation to requirements around mask wearing.
It is anticipated that all settings requiring the 4sqm rule will revert to the one person per 2sqm rule in two weeks' time if current trends continue, subject to expert health advice.
Once the one person per 2sqm rule applies, it is anticipated fines will increase to reduce the risk of super spreading events.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked the community for their patience and understanding over the past few weeks.
"The community has been outstanding in containing this outbreak. The sacrifice and efforts of everyone is why we can ease restrictions today," Ms Berejiklian said.
"We must remain vigilant - it is critical we are getting tested with the mildest of symptoms, follow the health advice and continue to be COVID-Safe right across the state."
Deputy Premier John Barilaro said these eased restrictions will provide some relief for venues, businesses and communities state-wide.
"These changes will provide more certainty to plan events such as weddings and functions, and will give businesses more clarity around restrictions while still remaining COVID-Safe," Mr Barilaro said.
NSW Health remains concerned about low testing numbers after just 9723 tests were done in the latest 24-hour period to 8pm Tuesday.
Dr Kerry Chant said high testing rates were critical to NSW Health's efforts to identify COVID-19 cases and prevent the virus from spreading.
"This is particularly important in areas where we've had recent cases, particularly western and south-west Sydney," Dr Chant said.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
