Softball NSW provides the following information and advice following announcements made this morning by the NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian. These announcements were specifically in relation to the initial steps for the roadmap out of lockdown and easing of restrictions for some local government areas in Regional NSW.

Whilst the finer details are yet to be provided through the release of the Public Health Orders, Softball NSW wishes to provide the following update and advice on information that is currently available;

N.B Following the release of the Public Health Orders, Softball NSW will provide further community announcements.

Roadmap out of Lockdown

Stay-at-home orders for adults who have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will be lifted from the Monday after NSW passes the 70 per cent double vaccination target, under the roadmap to freedom released today.

This announcement provided a clear statement to all eligible participants within our community on the significance of vaccination for participation in activities and community movement. Without vaccination or medical exemption, eligible community members will not be able to realise these freedoms afforded through the relaxation of some restrictions.

As mentioned earlier, the finer details on this are yet to be confirmed as the Public Health Orders which have not yet been released.

The freedoms for vaccinated adults include:

Gatherings in the home and public spaces:

• Up to five visitors will be allowed in a home where all adults are vaccinated (not including children 12 and under).
• Up to 20 people can gather in outdoor settings.

Venues including hospitality, retail stores and gyms:

• Hospitality venues can reopen subject to one person per 4sqm inside and one person per 2sqm outside, with standing while drinking permitted outside.
• Retail stores can reopen under the one person per 4sqm rule (unvaccinated people will continue to only be able to access critical retail).
• Personal services such as hairdressers and nail salons can open with one person per 4sqm, capped at five clients per premises.
• Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can open under the one person per 4sqm rule and can offer classes for up to 20 people.
• Sporting facilities including swimming pools can reopen.

Stadiums, theatres, and major outdoor recreation facilities:

• Major recreation outdoor facilities including stadiums, racecourses, theme parks and zoos can reopen with one person per 4sqm, capped at 5,000 people.
• Up to 500 people can attend ticketed and seated outdoor events.
• Indoor entertainment and information facilities including cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums and galleries can reopen with one person per 4sqm or 75 per cent fixed seated capacity.

Weddings, funerals, and places of worship:

• Up to 50 guests can attend weddings, with dancing permitted and eating and drinking only while seated.
• Up to 50 guests can attend funerals, with eating and drinking while seated.
• Churches and places of worship to open subject to one person per 4sqm rule, with no singing.

Travel:

• Domestic travel, including trips to regional NSW, will be permitted.
• Caravan parks and camping grounds can open.
• Carpooling will be permitted.

Non-vaccinated young people aged under 16 will be able to access all outdoor settings but will only be able to visit indoor venues with members of their household.

Key Links

NSW Government Media Release Link: Roadmap to freedom unveiled for the fully vaccinated

NSW Government COVID 19 Website: COVID-19 | NSW Government

Vaccination & Participation

Acknowledging all of the information currently available, Softball NSW strongly encourages our community to vaccinate if not already, to protect themselves, the community and to be welcomed back as early as possible on to the diamond when community sport can resume.

Whilst the specifics on requirements of vaccination for community sport participation are not yet finalised by the NSW Government, it would be considered good constituency for all eligible participants to urgently consult their GP on vaccination and the relative next steps.

Key Links

NSW Government Vaccination Information: Where and how to get your COVID-19 vaccination in NSW | NSW Government    

NSW Government COVID 19 Website: COVID-19 | NSW Government

Lockdown lifted in parts of Regional NSW

Parts of Regional NSW currently deemed low risk, and which have seen zero COVID cases for at least 14 days will emerge from lockdown at 12:01am Saturday 11 September but will continue to operate under restrictions to ensure the safety of regional communities.

Local Government Areas (LGAs) still seeing COVID case numbers will continue to follow stay-at-home orders and will be monitored by NSW Health with updates provided as circumstances develop.

Key Links

NSW Government Media Release Link: Lockdown lifted in parts of regional NSW

NSW Government COVID 19 Website: COVID-19 | NSW Government

More Information

For more information on this release please contact Softball NSW Chief Executive Officer Daniel Rushworth via ceo@softballnsw.org.au or 0487 888 550