The new NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet today announced some adjustments and further loosening of restrictions for NSW at the 70 per cent and 80 per cent fully vaccinated mark. Changes include the decision that all school students will return to school by Monday, 25 October. The changes to the 70 per cent roadmap will allow up to 10 visitors (not counting children 12 and under) to a home (previously five), lift the cap on outdoor gatherings to 30 people (previously 20), and increase the cap for weddings and funerals to 100 people (previously 50).

Indoor pools will also be re-opened for swimming lessons, squad training, lap swimming, and rehab activities. At the 80 per cent fully vaccinated mark, masks will no longer be mandated inside office buildings. All roadmap freedoms at 70 per cent and 80 per cent will continue to be for fully vaccinated people only. Read the announcement details here.

NSW recorded 587 locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night from 112,186 tests. Sadly, eight deaths were recorded in that same time period. Our thoughts are with their loved ones. NSW Health has reported that 22,609 vaccines were administered in the same time period. More than 70 per cent of the NSW population aged 16 and over is now fully vaccinated, triggering next Monday’s lifting of some significant restrictions in line with the opening roadmap. More information on today’s statistics here.

NSW Chief Magistrate Johnstone advises that the attached Memo will apply until 31 October. This include guidance around masks in court and what requirements are in place for specific types of hearing, including defended hearings, matters listed for sentence and matters listed for mention.

Jury trials will resume on 25 October 2021 at: The Downing Centre; John Maddison Tower; Campbelltown; Gosford; Katoomba; Newcastle; Parramatta; Penrith and Wollongong. Separate arrangements have been made for regional courts which include the resumption of jury trials at: Orange on 11 October 2021; Goulburn on 18 October 2021; Port Macquarie on 25 October 2021; Dubbo on 25 October 2021 and Queanbeyan on 1 November 2021. Details here.

In view of the Public Health Order announcement, the commencement of new jury trials in the Taree and Lismore District Court remains suspended until Monday 11 October 2021. There will be no personal appearances in the Court during the above period. Practitioners should contact the relevant Court for AVL appearance details and listing confirmation.