Because of the fear that infection rates will rise during Christmas shopping rush, New South Wales may continue to require masks in indoor settings.
The NSW ranks second in Australia in terms of vaccination rates, behind only the ACT. On Tuesday there were just 166 cases of Covid. However, the government of NSW has been urged not to wear masks as part of the ongoing pandemic laws.
It is possible that the virus might spread to retail stores, where millions are shopping for Christmas. This has prompted health officials to rush to require face masks.
As of Tuesday night 91.9 Percent of 16-year-olds are currently fully-vaccinated, and 94.4 Percent are double jabbed.
There are fears that coronavirus could spread in the run-up to Christmas. The mandate for masks may be to remain indoors, even after 95% vaccinations (pictured by shoppers in Sydney).
The Daily Telegraph reported that unvaccinated NSW residents will now be permitted to visit the same locations as the vaccinated starting December 15. This has prompted some doctors and other medical professionals to insist on the rule being kept in place.
You can take them off for food and drinks, although they are required at all times in shopping malls and shops.
In offices, masks are not required anymore. However, they may be needed in areas such as lobbies or lifts.
As other areas of the world continue to experience coronavirus epidemics, the health minister for the state said that it was “understandable” the rules would be kept.
The virus is being feared that it could be spread to retail stores by millions of people shopping in the days before Christmas. Health officials are making an emergency effort to obtain mandatory face covers (pictured: shoppers who were able to leave the lockdown).
‘At times like the mad retail rush we’ll see at Black Friday and Christmas it becomes pretty clear why Health will be likely to have continuing concerns,’ Brad Hazzard said.
The new premier is expected to be confronted with a split party over the issue, as he attempts to keep his popularity through post-lockdown management.
His cabinet will meet on Thursday to discuss continuing restrictions and mandates. Some rules may fall sooner than expected.
‘Any potential changes to the road map will take into account the evolving nature of the pandemic and consider the relevant health, safety and economic advice,’ a spokesman for Dominic Perrottet said.
NSW Health stated that masks were ‘particularly effective indoors’, and suggested that this would be the recommendation made to ministers at the crucial meeting.
According to a spokesperson, wearing masks on public transport and indoors provides important protection against Covid-19 transmission.
Some health officials in NSW have announced that unvaccinated NSW residents can now enter the same venues and facilities as those who are vaccinated beginning December 15th. This will increase the urgency to maintain mask mandates, which is why some of the staff (pictured above, Sydney shoppers after October lockdown)