Non-essential retail outlets in New South Wales have been given the green light to open in a reduced capacity once the state reaches its 70 per cent double-vaccination target, which according to an ABC analysis would be approximately 18 October.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said last Thursday, as the state recorded 1405 infections and five deaths, that New South Wales would open up to fully vaccinated residents on the Monday following hitting the vaccination target.
“You have been warned, if you’re not vaccinated, come forward and get the vaccine, otherwise you won’t be able to participate in the many freedoms that people have at 70 per cent vaccination,” the Premier said.
Retail stores, as well as gyms, and hospitality venues will be able to open with the return of the one person per four square metre rule.
People under the age of 16 who are unvaccinated will be unable to enter indoor settings, however, unless they are only with members of their household.
These businesses will need to police customers, ensuring they are fully vaccinated before entering the premises. However, an expanded QR code system will be put in place by then to facilitate this.
“If you want to go and buy something which is regarded as a non-essential shop, you will put up the QR code and if it is not a green light saying you have been vaccinated, you won’t be welcome inside,” Berejiklian said.
“We are giving venues plenty of notice and businesses plenty of notice, they can prepare for what that looks like. There are still other issues we are working through.”
Berejiklian noted that, since New South Wales’ vaccination rates were so far ahead of other states due to the push against the deepening crisis in the state, and potentially receiving a greater share of vaccines as noted by Victorian Premier Dan Andrews earlier this week, it isn’t likely domestic borders will open at this point.
This story first appeared on our sister publication Inside Retail.
