House parties are back on in NSW and rules about dancing and singing in public have eased as the state hits 40 coronavirus-free days.
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Zero new local COVID-19 cases were recorded in NSW in the 24 hours to 8pm on Thursday, with four cases uncovered in hotel quarantine.
It marks the 40th consecutive day without a local case in NSW.
From Friday, 50 people are allowed to gather inside NSW homes - up from 30 - and 50 people can participate in gym classes.
Weddings are still limited to 300 guests but up to 30 people -- not just those in the bridal party -- will be able to hit the dance floor at one time.
The cap on singers in choirs and congregations has also increased to 30 people and cinemas can operate at 100 per cent capacity.
"While household gathering restrictions have been eased, people are urged to remember COVID-19 can be transmitted more easily in crowded indoor settings," NSW Health's Dr Christine Selvey said in a statement on Friday.
"If holding gatherings at home, please use outdoor areas and well-ventilated spaces where available, and avoid overcrowding."
Presuming no new virus outbreaks, St Patrick's Day festivities on March 17 will resemble pre-COVID times, with revellers allowed to stand and drink at the bar.
Meanwhile, more than 5500 people received the COVID-19 jab in NSW in the first three days of the vaccine rollout.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Thursday she was pleased by the rollout but called on the federal government to share more details about the national program.
"I would love information on exactly what the program is moving forward. If we can support things and accelerate that program, NSW is always willing to do that," she said.
Meanwhile, NSW Health on Thursday labelled Auckland a hotspot, with arrivals from the city ushered into 14 days of hotel quarantine or offered the option of returning to New Zealand.
The department introduced the new order after the NZ government reported three additional virus cases in Auckland on Wednesday.
Those in NSW who have been in Auckland since February 20 have been told to seek COVID-19 testing and self-isolate until they receive a negative result.
Australian Associated Press
