After more than 100 days of restrictions, NSW is now taking its first steps back towards a normal life.
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Families and friends will be planning catch-ups while cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, and other businesses have re-stocked their fridges, dusted off their tables and chairs as we safely re-open the economy and get businesses back on their feet and people back into jobs.
Now that businesses have opened to customers, patrons are required to demonstrate they have been double-vaccinated and are willing to comply with physical-distance requirements.
This is the first step in seeing some restrictions lift for those who are double-vaccinated, and for businesses around the state to re-open and get the NSW economy back to business.
There is a sense of optimism out there with thousands of businesses across the state back in action, so well done NSW, you've earned this.
As we re-open we ask everyone to treat staff with kindness and respect when they ask you to check-in or see your vaccination certificate.
Following these simple measures will help keep us all safe and keep us moving forward out of the pandemic.
While we welcome the re-opening, I would remind people to act responsibly when going out. We all have a duty to stick by the rules. Book ahead, check-in with your QR code, show proof of vaccination, be respectful to staff and look after each other.
Please remember that it's vital that NSW residents continue to roll up their sleeves to push the state's rates of double vaccination even higher.
The community has done a fantastic job to reach the 70 per cent double dose target, but we must keep going. We want to get to as close to 100 per cent double vaccination as possible to keep everyone safe.
Vaccination is our greatest weapon against the virus and together with social distancing, hand sanitising, mask wearing and getting tested when we have symptoms - all remain important as we navigate our way out of this pandemic.
It's also important for people to have their vaccination status ready to go.
There are already three ways to get a copy of your vaccine certificate, through the Express Plus Medicare app, the digital wallet on their phone or a paper certificate from Services Australia.
We have also successfully started testing the integration of the vaccine certificate into the ServiceNSW app and are expanding the pilot into the regions this week which is exciting. Until then, please ensure you have your proof of vaccination ready.
The nsw.gov.au website has all the materials needed to help businesses re-open safely and we have proactively sent out information packs to help make the transition as easy as possible.
To view the 70 per cent Roadmap and lifting of restrictions, visit nsw.gov.au