Here’s what you need to know as Sydney reopens

A major milestone: NSW has reached 80% vaccination and Sydney is continuing to reopen. The city hasn’t been the same without you, and we can’t wait to welcome you back.

Here are some things to know about the public health order before you head in.

Key points from Monday 8 November for fully vaccinated people:

• There is no cap on home visitors or outdoor gatherings of fewer than 1000 people.
• Masks will still be required on public transport, on planes and in airports, and in all indoor settings until December 15.
• Bars, cafes and restaurants are open with 1 person per 2sqm indoors and there are no longer booking limits.
• You can now hit the dancefloor in nightclubs.
• Community sport is back on for fully vaccinated staff, spectators and participants.
• Entertainment facilities with fixed seating capacities like stadiums, theatres and cinemas will be able to operate at 100 per cent capacity.
• Stores can have 1 person per every 2 square metres. If you’re not fully vaccinated, you can only click and collect.
• Swimming pools can open for all activities including inflatables and slides. In gyms, group classes will remain capped at a maximum of 20 participants.

Unvaccinated people will be allowed to access all public settings and venues from December 15.

The public health order changes frequently. Visit the NSW Government website to stay up to date.

Don’t forget your mask

Masks are no longer mandatory outside. They are also no longer required in office buildings for vaccinated people.

However, all people over the age of 12 must wear a face mask:

• in indoor areas (e.g. while shopping, when at a library or other City of Sydney indoor venues)
• in indoor areas of common property of apartment buildings
• at a public transport waiting area
• while on public transport
• if you are working at a hospitality venue and dealing directly with members of the public

Children under 12 years do not need to wear a mask.

Get up to date information about where you need to wear a mask.

Proof of vaccination

You’ll need to show proof that you’re vaccinated to enter venues in Sydney.

Here’s how to get proof of your Covid-19 vaccinations on your phone.

Embedded content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pdJVG82Su4

Find out more about how to access and share proof of your Covid-19 vaccination.  

QR code check-ins still apply

Remember to check-in using the QR code system before you enter any venue.

Going the extra mile to keep our city clean

We've put on additional resources to ensure our area is Covid-safe. These include more frequent cleansing of footpaths and benches across the city, particularly in high-traffic areas and around hospitals and schools. There’s also increased street cleansing around transport hubs.

Most City of Sydney facilities are open

Swimming pools, gyms, libraries and community centres are back. From 11 October, changes to the NSW Government health advice mean we can reopen our venues. We’re opening as many as we can, but things might be different, and can change quickly.

Please check the latest service updates and entry requirements before you visit.

Some things to know:

• Some City of Sydney venues are being used as vaccination hubs and testing clinics and won’t offer usual services.
• You’ll need to wear a face mask for all indoor venues, City of Sydney-operated or not.
• You’ll need to show proof of vaccination before entering our venues.
• You’ll need a booking to visit some centres.

Please be respectful to our team members when you visit – we're all navigating these times together.

“The past 18 months have been incredibly challenging, isolated from family and friends and missing out on many of the things we love doing,” Lord Mayor Clover Moore said. “We’re pleased to be opening up treasured community spaces as we cautiously set out on the road to recovery.”

“Restrictions are in place at all of our facilities in line with public health orders to keep everyone safe – including our residents, businesses, staff and visitors – as we navigate our way through this first stage of reopening. We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation as we reopen our doors.

“Whether it’s heading back to the gym, getting your hands on your next read, or reconnecting at a local community venue, we are looking forward to welcoming Sydneysiders once again, and to seeing the city spring back to life.”

Find out what's open and what to expect when visiting.