According to reports, certain parts of NSW may spring from the depths of lockdown as early as Thursday (which is today) after calling a crisis meeting to decide just which parts of the state should receive eased restrictions.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has promised some eased lockdown restrictions and the opening of businesses such as hairdressers across Greater Sydney if we got 6 million people vaccinated with their first dose by the end of the month.
The target of 6 million jabs was reached on Tuesday, and we’re currently still waiting for an announcement on eased restrictions for Greater Sydney.
In the meantime, Sky News is reporting that NSW could be pulled out of its state-wide lockdown as early as today, with crisis meetings reportedly underway on Wednesday and Thursday morning.
“The decision will be taken around three factors: case numbers in each area, proximity to local government areas with case numbers if you don’t have any, and sewerage testing,” Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell said.
“It will mean people back to work and kids back to school in certain areas.
“So, as well as Premier Gladys Berejiklian’s big announcement expected that there will be one freedom – such as vaccinated hairdressing in non-hotspot local government areas that reopens, there will be an easing of restrictions in a few parts of the state,” he continued.
“In terms of the rest of the state, it’s quite clear there are areas the government will not be opening for weeks.
“In some ways, to open up some areas in parts of the state, is a no-brainer. No COVID in an area, get it open – there’s nothing to stop you shutting it again quickly if COVID arises.”
Makes sense, but we still can’t be sure that Berejiklian will be opening up parts of NSW today until she goes ahead and does it.
Remember, she did say we should expect changes by Friday, so it isn’t entirely impossible that we’ll see NSW lockdown shifts announced at the 11am presser today. Stay tuned and prep the popcorn, people.
