Mask restrictions in NSW being EASED from Monday as Dominic Perrottet makes changes to roadmap out of COVID lockdown

There are big changes coming to mask-wearing in NSW after the new roadmap was revealed.

Currently, masks are required everywhere indoors and outdoors in New South Wales, except when exercising.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Thursday announced masks will no longer be required in offices for fully vaccinated staff from the Monday after the NSW reaches the 80 per cent double dose milestone.

“On the 80 per cent mark we will be removing the requirement to wear masks in the office,” Perrottet said.

“It’s very important we get people back to work as the stay-at-home orders are lifted. We want to do that safely.

“We’ll provide further guidance obviously in relation to ensuring that face masks are not mandatory in the office at 80 per cent. That obviously comes in a bit later, probably in the next two weeks.”

He said teachers will still be wearing masks in the classroom at this point to protect students.

Under the roadmap originally put out by Gladys Berejiklian, the 80 per cent vaccination mark also meant masks would no longer be required outdoors, except for hospitality staff.

On Wednesday afternoon, Perrottet announced the state had reached the 70 per cent double-dose COVID-19 vaccination milestone, triggering the easing of some restrictions from Monday, October 11.

From Monday under the roadmap, fully vaccinated residents can welcome up to 10 visitors to their home, an increase from five, and outdoor gatherings will increase to 30, up from 20.

The caps on weddings and funerals will also increase to 100 people, up from 50.

Indoor swimming pools will also reopen for lessons, squad training, lap swimming and rehab activities.

On the Monday after the state reaches 80 per cent double-dose coverage, as well as the easing of the mask in office requirement, fully vaccinated residents will be able to welcome 20 visitors at home, and up to 50 can gather outdoors.

Up to 3000 people will be allowed to attend controlled, ticketed outdoor events, nightclubs will be allowed to reopen for seated drinking and no dancing, and masks will no longer be required in office buildings.