COVID-19 Retailer Resource Hub
What reopening restrictions are in place?
Current restrictions
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
The NSW Government will extend current restrictions for another month as the State continues to take a measured response to managing COVID-19 with a focus on a safe return to school and restarting non-urgent elective surgery as soon as possible.
Current settings will continue from Thursday, 27 January 2022 until Sunday, 28 February 2022, including:
- Hospitality venues, including pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes, and nightclubs must follow the one person per two square metre rule indoors;
- Masks are required in all indoor settings (except residences). Masks are strongly encouraged where you cannot maintain a safe distance from others;
- QR code check-ins are compulsory at certain premises, including hospitality venues and retail shops;
- Singing and dancing is not permitted in hospitality venues, entertainment facilities, nightclubs, indoor music festivals and indoor major recreation facilities (except for weddings, performers, instructors and students).
Reporting of positive RAT tests mandatory from Wednesday 12 Jan 2022
It has been confirmed on Wednesday, 12 January 2022, that it is now mandatory to report positive rapid antigen test (RAT) results since January 1, and a $1,000 fine may apply for failing to do so starting from the 19th January (after the 1 week grace period). You can do so through the Service NSW app through a designated function. There will also be a function to report any other underlying conditions or pregnancy.
BUSINESS RULES IN NSW
Masks
From Friday, 25 February, Masks will no longer be mandatory in all indoor settings — only in places like public transport, hospitals and aged care facilities. Masks will be encouraged indoors where people can't maintain social distancing, such as retail settings.
Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in
QR codes will only be required for nightclubs and music festivals.
If you are entering a premises where check-in is required, you must:
- check in with the Service.NSW app or
- provide your details to the occupier of the premises.
Vaccination evidence
Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises in NSW.
However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you
- attend an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people
- work in certain industries.
Check what you need as vaccination evidence.
Occupiers of premises
Some premises may choose to require people to be fully vaccinated as a condition of entry.
It is a matter for the occupier of each premises to exercise judgement on what is appropriate for their premises and the well-being of their staff and customers.
If you want to enter premises where an occupier has chosen to require you to be fully vaccinated, the occupier may ask to see your vaccination evidence. You do not have to show the occupier your vaccination evidence, but if you do not, the occupier may not let you in.
COVID-19 cases in the workplace
If you run a business, you must notify SafeWork if a worker has contracted COVID-19 at work, or was likely infectious in the workplace.
For more information visit Guidance for businesses with a worker who tests positive for COVID-19.
Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings
Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
- Customers are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
- Face masks are not required.
Businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help businesses keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can operate with no person or capacity limits in place, including for group fitness classes.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is still required at gyms using the Service.NSW app, but this does not apply to dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studios.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available.
Swimming pools are open for all purposes.
If you wish to attend a dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics, martial arts studio or swimming pool that is located inside a gym, you must check in when you enter the gym.
Community sport
Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.
Outdoor events
Outdoor events and gatherings can take place in NSW.
There is no limit to the number of fully vaccinated people able to attend outdoor events and gatherings.
Schools
Students already returned to face-to-face learning.
Follow the rules for schools at the Department of Education launch.
Libraries, museums and galleries
Information and education facilities, including art galleries, museums and libraries are open.
Anyone can visit an information and education facility.
- Visitors and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Information and education facilities are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Shopping and personal services
Anyone can visit retail or business premises.
- Customers and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at personal services businesses).
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Personal services
COVID-19 Safe Check in is required using the Service.NSW app at hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo and massage parlours.
Restaurants and hospitality
Anyone can visit a restaurant, café and hospitality venue.
- Customers and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at pubs, small bars, registered clubs).
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Occupiers of hospitality venues
Examples of hospitality premises include casinos, restaurants, cafes, function centres, food courts, take away food and drink premises, kiosks, micro-breweries or small distilleries, cellar doors, pubs, registered clubs, small bars and nightclubs.
- There are no restrictions on the number of people allowed at hospitality venues.
- Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing and singing and dancing can take place.
- There is no limit on the number of people for a group booking.
Occupiers of pubs, registered clubs and small bars must take reasonable steps to ensure that each person who enters their premises completes a COVID-19 Safe Check-in when entering the premises.
Construction and renovations
Construction and renovations across NSW can continue.
Anyone can enter a construction site.
- People who enter a construction site are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a COVID-19 Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Work
Employers can allow staff to work from home at their discretion.
There are no restrictions on travelling throughout NSW.
Events and entertainment
Anyone can visit an entertainment facility or indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
- Visitors and staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Retail and businesses are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Entertainment and recreation facilities
Entertainment facilities include cinemas, theatres, musical halls, concert halls, dance halls, drive-in cinemas and play centres.
Indoor and outdoor major recreation facilities include stadiums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and showgrounds.
Indoor music festivals
Rules apply to indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance.
An indoor music festival is:
- a music-focused or dance-focused event
- has performances by a series of persons or groups that perform live or are pre-recorded
- the persons or groups provide musical or live entertainment
- held indoors, within a defined area
- is a ticketed event.
Music festivals do not include events that:
- use a single stage
- are proposed to be held over a period of less than 5 hours
- have not more than 2 headlining performers
- not more than 4 performers in total.
Rules for organisers
Organisers of indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance must
- take reasonable steps to ensure all people who enter the music festival check in with the Service.NSW app or provide contact details to the occupier.
People who are fully vaccinated can attend:
- an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
People who are not fully vaccinated can attend:
- an indoor music festival with less than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
Organisers of music festivals may choose to request patrons provide vaccination evidence before entering the venue.
Weddings and religious ceremonies
Anyone can attend a wedding, funeral, or place of worship.
- Attendees or staff are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at funerals, memorial services, or gatherings afterwards).
- Face masks are not required.
Organisers are no longer required to have a Safety Plan.
Optional COVID-19 Safety Plans are available to help best keep a safe environment for staff and customers.
Density limits no longer apply to weddings, funerals or memorials.
Dancing and standing while drinking are permitted.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in for funerals and memorials
The occupier of a premises at which a funeral, memorial service or gathering is taking place must:
- Take reasonable steps to ensure all people who enter the premises check in with the Service.NSW app or provide contact details to the occupier.
Travel and transport general rules
People are able to travel anywhere within NSW.
People who have recently arrived from overseas, must follow the rules for international arrivals.
You can travel in a vehicle or vessel with people you do not live with.
Sharing a vehicle and carpooling
For vehicles and vessels used as a public transport service, passengers and staff must follow the face mask rules.
If vehicles and vessels are used for private purposes, such as a party bus, commercial tour or function, passengers no longer need to check in with the Service.NSW app .
NSW Health strongly advises people wear face masks when they cannot socially distance.
Holidays and holiday homes
There are no restrictions on travelling between Greater Sydney and regional and rural NSW for holidays or recreational visits within NSW.
Holiday homes and short-term accommodation can be used by anyone.
There are no capacity limits for holiday homes and short-term accommodation.
International travel
New rules are in place for people travelling to NSW from overseas.
For more information about the rules around leaving and entering NSW from outside Australia, visit International travel to and from NSW.
RULES FOR PEOPLE IN NSW
Masks
From Friday, 25 February, Masks will no longer be mandatory in all indoor settings — only in places like public transport, hospitals and aged care facilities. Masks will be encouraged indoors where people can't maintain social distancing, such as retail settings.
Masks are no longer required in outdoor settings.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in
QR codes will only be required for nightclubs and music festivals.
If you are entering a premises where check-in is required, you must
- check in with the Service.NSW app
- provide your details to the occupier of the premises.
Vaccination evidence
Most premises in NSW are now open to everyone, regardless of whether you are fully vaccinated or not.
You no longer need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated at most premises.
However, you still need to show evidence that you are fully vaccinated if you
- attend a music festival with more than 1000 people
- at airports
- if you work in certain industries.
Check what you need as vaccination evidence.
Visiting family and friends
You are not required to be fully vaccinated to have people visit your home or visit people at their home.
However, if you are visiting an aged care facility or disability home, there may be rules that apply to you.
Check with the operator of the facility.
Sport, exercise and outdoor gatherings
Anyone can participate in sport, exercise, and outdoor gatherings.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at gyms).
- Face masks are not required.
Gyms and indoor recreation facilities can operate with no person or capacity limits in place, including group fitness classes.
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is still required at gyms using the Service.NSW app, but this does not apply to dance, yoga, pilates, gymnastics or martial arts studios.
Indoor swimming pools are open for all purposes.
Community sports, including matches, competitions and training, can take place for all staff, spectators and participants.
Anyone can participate in an outdoor public gathering, such as a barbeque or picnic.
Schools
Students have already returned to face-to-face learning.
Follow the rules for schools at the Department of Education launch.
Libraries, museums and galleries
Information and education facilities, including art galleries, museums and libraries are open.
Anyone can visit an information and education facility.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Shopping and personal services
Anyone can visit retail or business premises.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at personal services businesses).
- Face masks are not required.
Personal services
COVID-19 Safe Check-in is required using the Service.NSW app at hairdressers, spas, nail salons, beauty salons, waxing salons, tanning salons, tattoo and massage parlours.
Restaurants and hospitality
Restaurants, cafes and hospitality venues in NSW are open.
Anyone can visit a restaurant, café, and hospitality venue.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at pubs, small bars, registered clubs).
- Face masks are not required.
There are no restrictions on the number of people allowed at these venues.
Drinking indoors and outdoors may be seated or standing and singing and dancing can take place.
Examples of hospitality premises include casinos, restaurants, cafes, function centres, food courts, take away food and drink premises, kiosks, micro-breweries or small distilleries, cellar doors, pubs, registered clubs, small bars and nightclubs.
Construction and renovations
Construction and renovations across NSW can continue.
Anyone can enter a construction site.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Work
Employers can allow staff to work from home at their discretion.
There are no restrictions about travelling for work in NSW.
Events and entertainment
Anyone can visit an entertainment facility or indoor and outdoor recreation facilities.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required.
- Face masks are not required.
Entertainment facilities include cinemas, theatres, musical halls, concert halls, dance halls, drive-in cinemas and play centres.
Indoor and outdoor recreation facilities include stadiums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and showgrounds.
Indoor music festivals
Rules apply to indoor music festivals with over 1000 people in attendance. An indoor music festival is:
- a music-focused or dance-focused event
- performances by a series of persons or groups that are live or pre-recorded,
- the persons or groups provide musical or live entertainment
- held indoors, within a defined area
- is a ticketed event.
Music festivals do not include events that:
- use a single stage
- are proposed to be held over a period of less than 5 hours
- have not more than 2 headlining performers
- not more than 4 performers in total.
You need to check in with the Service.NSW app to indoor music festivals with more than 1000 people.
If you are fully vaccinated you can attend:
- an indoor music festival with more than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance
If you are not fully vaccinated you can attend:
- an indoor music festival with less than 1000 people in attendance
- an outdoor music festival with up to 20,000 people in attendance.
Organisers of an indoor music festival may request you provide vaccination evidence before entering the venue.
Weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies
Anyone can attend a wedding, funeral or place of worship.
- You are not required to be fully vaccinated or carry vaccination evidence.
- COVID-19 Safe Check-in is not required (except at funerals, memorial services, or gatherings afterwards).
- Face masks are not required.
Density limits no longer apply to weddings, funerals or memorials.
Dancing and standing while drinking are permitted.
Travel and transport
You are able to travel anywhere within NSW.
If you have recently arrived from overseas, follow the rules for international arrivals.
You can travel in a vehicle with people you do not live with.
You can travel in a vessel with people you do not live with.
Holidays and holiday homes
There are no restrictions on travelling between Greater Sydney and regional and rural NSW for holiday or recreational visits within NSW.
Holiday homes and short-term accommodation can be used by anyone.
There are no capacity limits for holiday homes and short-term accommodation.
International travel
New rules are in place for people travelling to NSW from overseas.
For more information about the rules around leaving and entering NSW from outside Australia, visit International travel to and from NSW.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
QR codes
From 6pm Friday, 18 February, QR code check-in requirements will no longer be in place at retail venues, schools (including childcare and early childhood) and for employees at many workplaces. QR code check-in and vaccination check requirements will remain in all ‘vaccinated economy’ settings such as hospitality and entertainment venues.
Mandatory face masks
From 11:59pm, Friday 25 February 2022, masks will no longer be needed in most indoor settings.
Masks will only be required indoors in the following circumstances, unless an exemption applies:
- People on public transport, in taxis and rideshare, on planes, and indoors at an airport
- People working or visiting hospitals, and indoor areas at care facilities
- Workers in hospitality, retail and the court system
- Workers at justice and correctional facilities
- Students in year 3 or above at primary school, and workers at early childhood centres and primary schools (masks can be removed in secondary school)
- People working indoors at an event with more than 30,000 people attending
- In special circumstances, such as if you have COVID-19 or are a close contact and you’re leaving home
Masks are recommended for other workers serving or facing members of the public, such as if you are at reception, meeting guests or serving customers.
Vaccination requirements
Many venues can only open for people (including workers) who are fully vaccinated or excepted.
On this page, fully vaccinated means someone who:
- has received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, or
- has a valid medical exemption.
Vaccination requirements apply to everyone aged 18 years or over, unless you have a valid medical exemption from an authorised medical practitioner.
People under the age of 18 years are considered fully vaccinated.
Vaccination requirements are different for workers. Select workers in critical industries are required to have the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by a certain date. Visit Information for workers required to vaccinated for more information.
Going out
Venues you can attend if you are fully vaccinated include:
- hospitality venues (e.g. bars, nightclubs, restaurants and cafés)
- entertainment venues (e.g. cinemas, zoos, museums, live music venues)
- tourism venues (e.g. walking tours, buses)
- casinos/gaming venues and adult entertainment venues.
You can also attend public events where vaccination is required.
If you don’t meet the vaccination requirements for a venue or public event, you can’t enter the venue or go to the public event.
Vaccination requirements don’t apply to food and drink venues operating for takeaway only.
Indoor dance floors are closed at all hospitality, entertainment, and function venues except for weddings. Outdoor dance floors remain open. (Applies from 11:59pm 12 January)
There is a density limit of one person per two sqm in all indoor areas in hospitality venues (e.g. restaurant, bars, and nightclubs) and certain entertainment venues (karaoke, arcades, escape rooms, adult entertainment, gaming, bingo and the casino). Other entertainment venues do not have a density limit (such as theatres, cinemas, galleries, concerts).
At major events, face masks are also required indoors and outdoors when at an event with 30,000 or more patrons - but you aren’t required to wear a mask while seated outdoors.
To be as COVIDSafe as possible, you are strongly recommended to stick to indoor seated service.
Getting active
If you are fully vaccinated, you can attend sporting and recreation facilities (e.g. sports grounds, gyms and swimming pools) and sporting events.
If you don’t meet the vaccination requirements, you can’t enter.
Vaccination requirements don’t apply to people involved in community sport (e.g. a local footy match) or people using swimming pools for essential medical care like hydrotherapy.
Getting goods and services
There are no vaccination requirements to:
- attend real estate inspections and auctions, or
- enter retail stores, except for a hairdresser, beauty therapy premises.
If vaccination status isn’t being checked, community facilities can host essential public support groups, support services and health services with limited numbers.
Seeing others
There are no limits to the number of people you can gather with in your home or in public places (e.g. a park or a beach). We recommend social gatherings outdoors to reduce risks.
We strongly recommend that everyone who you are gathering with at your home or in a public place is fully vaccinated.
Weddings, funerals and worship
There are no vaccination requirements or capacity limits in place for weddings, funerals and religious ceremonies.
If the wedding or ceremony is being held in a venue that has vaccination requirements, such as hospitality settings, community facilities, or entertainment venues, then you must follow that venue’s vaccination requirements.
There are density limits of one person per two sqm in indoor areas in hospitality venues and some entertainment venues. See ‘Going out’ above for more information.
Work, education and childcare
Victorians are encouraged to work from home if possible.
Workplaces are open, but you must be fully vaccinated if:
- you are working somewhere that’s only open for fully vaccinated people (e.g. a restaurant)
- if you are a worker or volunteer who is required to be vaccinated if working outside home.
Schools and childcare
Schools, childcare centres and early childhood education are open to all ages.
As part of the back to school plan, we strongly recommend:
- Mainstream primary and secondary staff and students: twice-a-week rapid antigen testing on school days
- Specialist school staff and students: daily rapid antigen testing on school days
Schools will make rapid antigen tests available for collection by parents/carers from the start of Term 1. The initial distribution will be limited to one pack per student. Testing will be conducted at home, and students and staff must report any positive result. There is no requirement to report a negative result.
Masks must be worn indoors at primary schools by all staff, visitors and students in Grade 3 to 6.
If you are fully vaccinated or have a valid medical exemption, you can attend adult education facilities (e.g. university, TAFE). If you are not fully vaccinated, you can’t enter unless it cannot be taught online or it involves secondary school subjects. All staff working onsite at a higher education facility must be fully vaccinated.
Travel
There are no limits on travel or accommodation within Victoria.
We strongly recommend that people staying in accommodation venues in Victoria (e.g. hotels, Airbnb) are fully vaccinated.
Vaccination requirements still apply to relevant settings within an accommodation complex, such as a restaurant or a gym.
There are no restrictions on leaving Victoria, but travel may be impacted by rules at your destination. Check before you book.
If you are entering Victoria from overseas, visit the information for returned overseas travellers page to see your requirements.
High-risk settings
There are limits and restrictions on attending high-risk settings, such as hospitals, even if you’re fully vaccinated.
RETAIL COVIDSAFE SETTINGS
Hairdressing, beauty and personal care (restricted retail)
Open - a density quotient and patron cap do not apply.
Small restricted retail premises (less than 100 square metres of indoor space accessible to the public)
All other retail (including supermarkets, common areas of shopping centres and grocery stores)
Open - a density quotient and patron cap do not apply.
Designated COVID Check-in Marshals are not required.
Market stalls and retail premises with less than 2000 square metres of publicly accessible space (other than supermarkets)
Must ensure that a worker asks customers to check-in using the Service Victoria app at the point of service. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Retail premises with 2000 square metres of publicly accessible space or more (other than supermarkets, markets and shopping centres)
Must ensure that a worker asks customers to check-in using the Service Victoria app at the entrance to the store. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Supermarkets
Must ensure workers request patrons check-in using the Service Victoria app at the point of sale. This worker does not have to be a designated COVID Check-in Marshal.
Vaccination requirements for workers and customers in the retail trade sector
Hairdressing, beauty and personal care facilities
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All other retail
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HOSPITALITY COVIDSAFE SETTINGS
Workplaces covered by this guidance:
- Cafes
- Restaurants
- Fast-food stores
- Cafeterias
- Canteens
- Wineries
- Pubs and bars
- Food courts
- Food and drink facilities in a stadium or arena
Food and drink premises (other than food courts)
Cafés, restaurant, fast food store, cafeteria, canteen, winery, pubs and bars.
Open - From 6pm Friday, 18 February as part of new pandemic orders to be signed by the Minister for Health, density quotients of one person per two square meters in place at hospitality and entertainment venues will be removed. Indoor dancefloors at these venues can also re-open.
A COVID Check-in Marshal must ensure customers check-in via the Service Victoria app and that customers over the age of 18 show evidence of their vaccination status or valid medical exemption, whenever the facility is operating.
At small food and drink premises (premises where the total publicly accessible indoor and outdoor space is less than 100 square metres), a COVID Check-in Marshal may be located at the entrance of the venue or at the first possible point of service.
Notes
- No group limit
- It is recommended that food and drink premises and their patrons opt for seated service only.
- Indoor dancefloors may not operate within food and drink premises, except at weddings that are being held within these premises.
Food courts
Open - A density quotient of one person per two square meters apply. A COVID Check-in Marshal is not required for food courts.
Vaccination requirements
Workers must be fully vaccinated (or have a valid medical exemption) to continue working on-site.
For more information about worker vaccination requirements, visit Information for industry and workers required to be vaccinated.
Customers over the age of 18 must be fully vaccinated (or have a valid medical exemption) to attend a food and drink premises (other than a food court) for on-site dining.
Customers do not need to be fully vaccinated to access food courts or takeaway services.
For more information about customer vaccination requirements, visit How to check the vaccination status of your customers and How we live: vaccination status
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Masks
From 6pm AEST Friday 4 March 2022:
- Masks will no longer be required indoors, except in hospitals, residential aged care, disability accommodation, prisons, public transport, airports and on planes.
- Masks will no longer be required in schools, including for staff, students and visitors.
- Masks will still be recommended whenever you can’t social distance.
- There will be no limit on the number of visitors you can have in your home at one time.
- Venues and events will no longer have capacity limits.
Until then, current face mask requirements (see below) and other public health and social measures remain in effect.
Check In QLD app
From 7 February 2022, use of the Check In Qld app is no longer required, other than for businesses where vaccination is a condition of entry.
You must continue to use the Check In Qld app for entry to:
- hospitality venues including cafés, restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSL clubs, taverns, function centres, bars, wineries, distilleries and microbreweries, but not including food courts
- entertainment venues including nightclubs, indoor live music venues, karaoke bars, concerts, theatres, cinema, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, casinos and gaming venues, convention and entertainment centres, adult entertainment venues and brothels, theme parks, and tourism experiences, zoos aquariums and wildlife centres, and showgrounds
- stadiums (indoor and outdoor), for all major sporting matches and other events with capacity for 5000 or more visitors. The Check In Qld app is not required for sporting stadiums with a capacity of less than 5000
- festivals
- Government owned galleries, museums and libraries
- wedding ceremonies and receptions, when more than 20 people attend, including the wedding party and officials
- private hire of a venue, where more than 20 people attend, or there is more than 1 person per 4 square metres
- vulnerable settings including youth detention centres and prison personal visiting areas.
There are no capacity restrictions on these businesses.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
South Australia is currently under Level 1 restrictions with some additional restrictions.
Level 1 restrictions
- 1/2 density for indoor seated hospitality activities
- 1/2 density for outdoor seated hospitality activities
- 3/4 density for seated activities (not hospitality)
- 1/2 density for non-seated activities (not hospitality)
- No communal consumption facilities
- 1/7 density (indoor fitness facilities) If fitness classes being held outdoors (1/2 density) LGA’s cannot charge a fee to fitness instructors for the use of public parks (unless a current contract is in existence).
- Seated food and beverage consumption for indoor and outdoor defined public activities
- COVID Management Plans required for events of more than 1,000 people
- Shisha ban
- Gathering at home cap: 10 (gatherings at residential premises, including residents of residential premises)
- Masks for high risk settings
- Masks for personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the personal care service)
Additional restrictions
- Masks for health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Masks for passenger transport services
- Masks for indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
- Masks for shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
- Restrictions on dancing and singing.
Note: An approved contact tracing system (QR code) is generated from a COVID Safe Plan.
Private activity
Private activity no longer permitted. If held in a relevant venue, than venue rules apply for hospitality.
Private function
Private function no longer permitted. If held in a relevant venue, than venue rules apply for hospitality.
Masks
Masks (covering the mouth and nose) are required in:
- High risk settings
- Personal care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Health care services (except for the person receiving the service, if necessary for the provision of the health care service)
- Passenger transport services
- Indoor fitness facilities (except while exercising)
- Shared indoor public places (except bridal parties during ceremonies)
A requirement that a person wear a face mask does not apply to a person:
- if they have a relevant medical condition, including problems with their breathing, a serious condition of the face, a disability or a mental health condition (Evidence of a relevant medical condition must be produced on request)
- in circumstances where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication, such as to enable communication by or with any patron who is deaf or hard of hearing
- in circumstances where removal of the mask is lawfully required for identification purposes
- when the person is eating or drinking
- if the person is a child under 12 years of age
- if the person is carrying out functions as an authorised worker and it is not possible to properly carry out those functions with a mask on.
High risk setting
High risk means each of the following:
- a residential aged care facility
- a disability care facility
- a prison, correctional facility, training centre or other place of custody
- a public or private hospital
- health care services provided in any of the Aboriginal communities listed in Schedule 1 or any other Aboriginal community controlled health service.
Personal care
Personal care includes services such as hairdressers, barbershops, beauty salons, nail salons, tattoo parlours, and other premises at which beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, piercing, body modification services are provided, as well as wellness centres, day spas, massage parlours, saunas, and bathhouses.
Dancing
Dancing is only permitted in dance studios or for wedding couples. It is not permitted in licensed premises or at any other function.
Singing
Singing is permitted but when a person is singing indoors, they must wear a mask.
Exceptions include if:
- the person is performing individually (not including a karaoke performer); or
- the person is a member of a group of performers performing or rehearsing in the premises (not including karaoke performers or persons performing or rehearsing as part of a choir or chorus); or
- the premises are an educational establishment; or
- the person is undertaking or providing an individual lesson.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Proof of vaccination requirements
Based on the latest health advice, proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements apply state-wide to the following venues:
- All hospitality venues, food and licensed venues:
- including restaurants, dine-in fast food, cafés, bars, pubs, clubs, taverns, licensed commercial boats
- excluding food and non-alcoholic beverage takeaway; food courts; roadhouses, and petrol stations
- excluding a vessel providing ticketed public transport such as a ferry service to Rottnest Island
- Nightclubs
- Bottle shops (including drive through bottle shops)
- Specified entertainment venues including
- a casino
- gaming or gambling house
- specified galleries and museums,
- a cinema, including a drive-in cinema or outdoor cinema
- a theatre
- a concert hall or other live music venue
- Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre
- a major stadium
- a gym, indoor sporting centre, health club, or dance studio (including a centre offering yoga, barre, pilates, aerobics, dancing, spin facilities or other fitness class), except when community sport is being played
- an indoor play centre
- an amusement park which was ticketed/managed entry
- Perth Zoo
- any other indoor entertainment venue that is open to the public and not otherwise referred to above
- residential aged care and hospitals (exceptions apply).
- Indoor events with over 500 patrons, specified outdoor high-risk events (as designated by the State Emergency Coordinator or the Chief Health Officer or their authorised personnel) and outdoor music events with more than 500 patrons.
Staff who work at these premises and events, who did not previously fall under the WA Government’s mandatory vaccination policy, will need to be double dose vaccinated to continue to work or have an approved medical exemption. From 31 January 2022, staff will need to have at least a first dose to continue to work and on and from 28 February 2022, will need to be double dose vaccinated, unless medically exempt.
People are required to show proof of their COVID-19 vaccination, either in a digital or paper-based form, along with approved identification. See the Proof of COVID-19 vaccinations page for more information.
Both venues and patrons have a shared responsibility when it comes to proof of vaccination, with venues required to ensure that each patron must produce evidence of their vaccination status and take reasonable steps to ensure patrons do not enter the premises without producing evidence of their vaccination status.
Capacity limits
There are no longer any capacity restrictions for venues and events. This means private gatherings, concerts, sporting games, and weddings can go ahead at full capacity.
Measures remain in place to keep these events safe:
- Businesses require a COVID Safety Plan and must maintain a contact register.
- Events with more than 500 patrons are required to complete a COVID Event Checklist or Plan.
Travel
Under WA’s new hard border settings, approved travellers from interstate and overseas are permitted to enter WA with testing and quarantine requirements.
All people arriving into WA, including returning WA residents, must complete a G2G Pass prior to arrival and meet the approved traveller criteria.
For more information, visit the Travel to WA page.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Vaccine Pass (proof of vaccination)
You will now need to show proof of vaccination when visiting certain venues.
The venues are:
- Bars, pubs and nightclubs licensed to sell and consume liquor on premises
- Clubs licensed to sell and consume liquor on premises
- Casinos and licensed gaming venues
- Restaurants with a liquor licence
- Cinema, theatre, concert, music or dance hall.
The requirement does not impact: take away food or beverages; food court, food truck, market stall or casual dining café that operates without a liquor licence.
If you are not fully vaccinated you cannot visit above venues.
Read more about proof of vaccinations and what is required.
Mandatory mask use
You must wear a mask while indoors when you cannot maintain a distance of 1.5 metres from other people.
This includes pubs, clubs, restaurants, shopping centres, hairdressers, workplaces, public transport, taxi cabs, ride share and indoor boat cruises.
Masks are not required to be worn in private residences or while exercising. Children under the age of 12 do not need to wear a mask. It is highly recommended that everyone wears a mask when outdoors, particularly at any large public outdoor events.
Face masks provide an extra layer of protection and are proven to be effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19, particularly when physical distancing can’t be applied.
Children under the age of two years should not wear a mask. It is up to individuals to decide if children over two years of age wear a face mask.
Those people who have a relevant medical or health condition should not wear a mask if it is not safe or appropriate to do so.
Personal behaviour remains our best defence against COVID-19 which is why it is important for everyone to follow all health directions.
- Book your Covid-19 vaccine
- Check in using The Territory Check In App every time, everywhere.
- If you have symptoms, stay away from others and get tested for COVID-19.
- Wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitiser regularly.
- Cough and sneeze into your elbow or a tissue. Put your tissue in the bin straight away.
- Do not travel or go to work if you are sick.
- Maintain a physical distance of 1.5m at all times.
Face mask exemptions
You are not required to wear a mask if you have a physical illness, mental health condition or disability that makes wearing a mask unsuitable.
Only a police officer or an authorised officer can ask you to confirm the lawful reason you are not wearing a face mask.
If asked by a police officer, you must show them either:
- a medical certificate or letter from the health practitioner or NDIS provider
- a statutory declaration.
You must also carry and produce evidence of your name and address to a police officer or authorised officer if requested.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Core restrictions across all settings
- COVID-19 Safety Plans must be prepared by certain businesses and able to be produced if requested by an authorised officer.
- Check In CBR is still required at:
- Licensed bars and pubs
- Registered clubs
- Nightclubs
- Strip clubs and brothels
- Certain organised public events that are not ticketed or pre-registered, are also required to use Check in CBR. This includes organised events conducted on a one-off or periodic basis which are open to the public and are publicly announced or advertised. For example, conferences, markets (exc food markets) and music events.
- The ACT Government's Health Guidelines for Schools and Early Childhood Education and Care (including out of school hours care) requires all staff and visitors to check in to each site using Check In CBR.
- As of 6pm Friday 25 February, face masks are only required in certain settings.
Social gatherings, leaving home and visitors
Home visits
- No limit on number of visitors to a home.
- It is strongly encouraged that households minimise the number of visitors in their home at any one time to ensure COVID smart behaviours can be maintained.
Informal outdoor gatherings
- No limit on the number of people permitted at informal outdoor gatherings.
- Individuals are encouraged to stay in their known social groups and minimise the size of gatherings where possible.
Organised events (outdoor and indoor)
- Organised events of greater than 5,000 people must submit their COVID Safety Plan to ACT Health for review.
- The COVID Safe Event Checklist is available for use and once completed is regarded as the Event COVID Safety Plan.
- Exemptions are not required for large events.
- Events are required to use Check in CBR where they are not ticketed or pre-registered, including conferences, markets, music and cultural events.
Face coverings / masks
- Any person aged 12 years or older must wear a face mask in certain settings.
- A person is not required to wear a face mask if they have a physical or mental health illness or condition, or disability, which makes wearing a face mask detrimental to their condition.
Travel
Interstate travel
- There are currently no restrictions on interstate travel to the ACT.
- Persons who are currently under quarantine or isolation requirements seeking to travel to the ACT should refer to the entering and leaving the ACT page for further information.
International travel
- Fully vaccinated travellers who are returning from overseas and want to enter the ACT must first follow the requirements of the jurisdiction of their port of entry.
- If travellers are permitted to travel to the ACT, they must:
- undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT) or PCR test within 24 hours of arrival in Australia and quarantine until a negative test result is received.
- International travellers who are not fully vaccinated must quarantine for 7 days at their port of entry.
- we will only consider exemptions to travel to the ACT to complete quarantine for ACT residents who have access to a suitable premises, or for other travellers in exceptional circumstances.
- Travellers are not permitted to enter high risk settings for 14 days following arrival into Australia.
- More detailed guidance for travellers arriving from overseas and who wish to enter the ACT can be accessed on the Overseas travel page.
Work
-
Return to work where it suits employees and employers
- Employers should refer to the ACT Government advice on Assessing a COVID-19 Exposure in the Workplace, and the Workplace COVID-19 Exposure Assessment Tool.
Hospitality and licensed venues
Licensed venues, cafes, restaurants and food courts
- Must develop and maintain a COVID Safety Plan. The Plan must be produced if requested by an authorised officer.
Licensed bars, pubs, and registered clubs only
- Venues are required to use Check In CBR.
For a full list of restrictions, you can visit the ACT Government's COVID-19 website.
CURRENT RESTRICTIONS
Businesses
The number of people permitted at businesses/activities without applying for approval under the Framework (other than households and the premises specified at the section on exceptions to the gathering limits is determined by the density of the area, up to a maximum of:
- 250 people for an undivided space indoors
- 500 people in an undivided space outdoors.
The maximum number does not include staff, volunteers or contractors.
The maximum density rule of 2 square metres per person applies. If the number of people permitted according to the density limit is less than the gathering limit, the lower number applies.
Where practicable, business operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain 1.5 metres distancing from other people.
For mixed-use venues with multiple indoor or outdoor spaces, the gathering limit applies separately to each single undivided space. For example, a large hotel with multiple, separate indoor spaces (eg conference room, bar, restaurant, foyer, beer garden), is permitted to have up to 250 people for each of these spaces (and the density limit applies).
Business restrictions allow standing activities – like darts, pool, eight-ball, snooker and karaoke – in licensed venues.
A cap on the number of people permitted to stand while drinking alcohol and/or dancing is required because large numbers of people mixing freely and closely while consuming alcohol are very high-risk settings for spreading COVID-19.
- Standing and drinking alcohol and/or dancing is permitted in premises with a liquor licence or liquor permit up to a maximum of 100 people in indoor spaces and 250 people in outdoor spaces, within current density requirements.
- Patrons in other parts of the premises or event can also consume alcohol while sitting down, subject to density requirements.
- For example, a venue with a maximum density capacity of 200 can have 100 people dancing, however the other 100 people must be seated to be drinking alcohol.
Entertainment venues & events (indoor & outdoor)
The updated Framework for COVID-19 Safe Events and Activities clearly details the new framework.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Stadiums & arenas
Operators of stadiums and arenas can apply to increase attendance numbers to the number of seats provided. Where seating is not provided, the maximum number of people permitted is 1 person per 2 square metres of available space.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue (except for Tier 1 events)
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues (except for Tier 1 events)
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Compulsory recording of contact details
Under the Contact Tracing Direction, every person 16 years of age or older attending a range of businesses, organisations and events (including staff) is required to provide their information for contact tracing using the free Check in TAS app.
Operators of the relevant locations are required to register with Check in TAS and prominently display the Check in TAS QR code at all entrances to the premises.
If anyone does not have or cannot use a smartphone or the Check in TAS app, they may be checked in by another person in their group, or by the operator or staff at the premises. If no suitable device is available, their details may be recorded with pen and paper. Businesses are permitted to refuse entry to a person who does not provide the required information.
More information, including when and how staff may manually record contact information, is available at www.checkin.tas.gov.au
Sport & recreation
This information is for community sporting events and does not cover the requirements for events at large outdoor stadiums and outdoor arenas.
If the sporting facilities have seating provided, the total capacity will be equal to the number of seats provided.
If the sporting facilities do not have seating provided, gathering limits will be the lesser of:
- 1 person per 2 square metres, or
- 250 people for an undivided space indoors, or
- 1,000 people in an undivided space outdoors.
Maximum numbers include all people present, including staff, volunteers, event spectators, athletes, coaches, children and babies.
Where practicable, operators, staff, volunteers and attendees should maintain 1.5 metres distancing from other people, and maintain physical distancing when exiting, entering, or in the lobby or foyer of a building.
For sporting and recreation facilities with multiple indoor spaces, the gathering cap applies separately to each single undivided indoor space. For example, a multi-purpose sporting venue with multiple, separate, undivided indoor spaces, could have up to 250 people in each of these spaces (and the density limit applies). However, the maximum of 1,000 people outdoors at a premises at one time applies regardless of whether there are multiple outdoor areas.
Sporting activities are permitted based on Level C of the AIS Framework for Rebooting Sport, which means that the following are permitted:
- full contact training
- full competition sport (contact and non-contact)
- sharing of equipment where necessary
- use of change rooms and other shared facilities.
Larger teams should consider maintaining small group separation at training, and non-essential social gatherings should be limited.
Gathering limits and the requirement to maintain physical distancing where practical applies to all sports, exercise and recreation.
Read more about Sport and recreation.
Household visitors
Gatherings at residential premises – including shacks – are limited to up to 100 people (including children and babies) at any one time. This limit includes all residents of the household and the people who ordinarily reside at the house or shack.
The household gathering limit of 100 people applies whether the gathering is indoors or outdoors, and for all types of gatherings, including barbecues and celebrations.
You should not visit others or have visitors to your home if you are unwell.
Churches, places of worship and funeral homes
New directions for the Management of Premises - No 13 and Mass Gatherings - No 5 allow more people to attend religious services and funeral services in Tasmania.
Indoor seated gatherings
Smaller seated gatherings at churches, places of worship, memorial events and funeral services may accommodate up to 250 people or 100 per cent of seating capacity, whichever is fewer, without assessment or approval.
Staff, clergy, church attendants, choir members and anyone assisting with or performing the service are not included in the 250-person limit.
Larger gatherings of more than 250 people may be allowed, but organisers must first register with Business Tasmania for approval and adhere to the relevant restrictions.
- At venues with seating where more than 250 people will be attending and will be seated most of the time, the maximum number of attendees may be up to 100 per cent of seating capacity.
- In unseated areas, such as a foyer, a maximum of one person per two square metres of floor space may be allowed.
To help manage risks
- there must be a COVID contact person for every event or venue (except for Tier 1 events)
- a COVID-19 Safety Plan must be used at all events and venues
- the event organiser (or contact person) must be ready to present the COVID-19 Safety Plan to an authorised officer immediately on request
- everyone at an event or venue must maintain at least 1.5 metres distancing between themselves and other people, whenever possible
- information must be collected to support rapid contact tracing if required
- other conditions may be imposed through the assessment and approval process
Additional requirements for licensed venues
Standing activities – like darts, pool, eight-ball, snooker and karaoke – are allowed in licensed venues.
A wide range of businesses and venues, including restaurants, cafes and other retail food businesses where food is sold for consumption on-site, as well as businesses that serve alcohol for consumption on-site, must register and use the free Check in TAS app to collect the contact information of all people aged 16 years and over who enter the premises, regardless of how long they will be there. For more information, refer to 'Compulsory recording of details for contact tracing' in the Business section.
Weddings
Churches and commercial premises
The number of people permitted at a wedding at a church or a commercial or public venue (including a public park) is determined by the size of the venue and the density limits that apply to all venues.
The maximum number of people permitted is 1 person per 2 square metres, up to a limit of 250 people at an indoor venue and 500 people at an outdoor venue.
These numbers do not include staff or contractors such as a celebrant, photographers, caterers, musicians and drivers.
Residential premises
The number of people permitted to attend a wedding at a residential premises is up to 100 people.
This number includes the people who normally live at the house, as well as the bridal party, celebrant, guests, children, babies, photographers, caterers, musicians and drivers.
The 100-person limit still applies if the wedding is held on a large private property, farm or block of land that also includes a residential premises, unless the part of the property on which the wedding is to be held is – as part of the property’s normal operations for the provision of services – normally used for weddings.
A wedding held in a barn on a property that forms part of a residential premises on acreage would still be limited to 100 people, including the people who usually live on the property.
