REGIONAL residents with both doses of COVID vaccine will win a new freedom from September 13, the state government has announced.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced the change alongside offering people in Sydney's local government areas (LGAs) of concern an extra hour of recreation once immunised.
The Dubbo Local Government Area recorded 25 new cases in the 24 hours to 8pm on Wednesday as the government announced the regional lockdown would continue until September 12. But it's not all bad news.
In the regions, five people from the same LGA can gather outdoors from September 13 as long as all adults are vaccinated.
The state government said vaccination status could be proved by:
- Download your COVID-19 digital certificate via the Express Plus Medicare mobile app or your Medicare online account through myGov.
- You can add your COVID-19 digital certificate to your Apple Wallet or Google Pay.
- Instructions are available on the Services Australia website.
- If you can't get proof online, your vaccination provider can print your immunisation history statement for you.
- Call the Australian Immunisation Register on 1800 653 809 (Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm) and ask for your statement to be sent to you. It can take up to 14 days to arrive in the post.
Ms Berejiklian said the concessions were "balanced and measured" on the basis of health advice.
"That five can include children, but as long as it's adults all of them will need to be vaccinated," Ms Berejiklian said.
"No-one from outside the household anywhere in the state, is allowed in a household," she said.
"We know that people coming together is what people miss the most."
Dr Kerry Chant described the change as "baby steps" given the risk continued in most areas, and said she held out hope that Australia could be the "high score for the world" in terms of vaccination rates.
Further freedoms are expected when vaccination rates hit 70 and 80 per cent despite ongoing statewide lockdown until at least September 10.
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said two doses reduced transmission as well as protecting the recipient from the worst of the virus.
Our COVID-19 news articles relating to public health and safety are free for anyone to access. However, we depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.