​​Sydney easing more COVID-19 restrictions amid heightened vaccinations

Australia’s most populous state will start easing more of its COVID-19 restrictions on Monday after reaching an inoculation rate of nearly 90 percent.

Starting Monday, New South Wales, which includes Sydney, is dropping capacity limits on indoor gatherings for households where all vaccine-eligible members are fully vaccinated.

Limits on how many people can participate in outdoor gatherings have also been dropped for those who are fully vaccinated, though COVID-19 safety plans must be followed if that number exceeds 1,000. 

Gyms and other indoor recreational facilities like health studios and ice rinks are now able to reopen, and group classes must be capped at 20 people. 

Capacity at hospitality venues is limited to one person per two square meters, according to The Guardian, while  facilities including theaters, stadiums and racetracks may operate at 100 percent fixed-seat capacity.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that roughly 89.7 percent of New South Wales residents who are 16 years old and older have had both vaccine doses, while 93.9 percent are at least partially vaccinated. 

Government rules require that unvaccinated residents continue to operate under COVID-19 lockdown protocol and mask wearing mandates until the Australian state either reaches a vaccination rate of 95 percent or by Dec. 15. 

Late last month, New South Wales, Victoria and Australia’s capital Canberra began easing travel rules, allowing fully vaccinated residents to start traveling abroad without quarantining upon their return.