NSW outdoor public pools open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated

From Monday September 27, outdoor pools across NSW have been able to open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated swimmers, provided councils have a stringent covid safety plan approved by NSW Health.

Jeremy McAnulty from NSW Health says the plans allowed for unvaccinated people to exercise outdoors.

“There are a range of other activities that can be done to keep people safe,” he says.

“And outdoor pools are outdoors and by the nature of that, that's a much lower risk of transmission of covid than indoors.”

This follows the easing of restrictions in Sydney’s LGAs of concern. Premier Gladys Berejiklian thanked those in Sydney’s west and south-west who have come forward and received their covid-19 vaccine.

“We are so grateful to everyone who has come forward to get a jab, helping bring first dose vaccination rates in some LGAs up to 90 per cent,” she says.

“There’s still more work to do to push those vaccination rates higher and everyone must continue to follow the lockdown rules until we reach that 70 per cent double dose target when further restrictions can be eased for those who are fully vaccinated.”

Health Minister Brad Hazzard says that after all the hard work getting vaccinated and complying with lockdown requirements, it’s fantastic that some restrictions can now be relaxed.

“The NSW Government is determined to ensure everyone can benefit from increasing vaccination rates. Outdoor pools are part of Australian life, and enjoying a summer splash no matter where you live is a big plus for families.”

Meanwhile, the Authorised Worker List has been updated to allow for cleaning, repairs and maintenance, alterations, additions to buildings and trade work.

While the change was introduced on Monday 27 September, there were inconsistencies with the direction and on the website which contradicted the advice and required clarification. Clarification has now been received confirming that Authorised Workers from LGAs of concern can now leave their LGA to undertake Prescribed work in an outdoor area.

Note: There may be discrepancies on the NSW Government website in relation this update until it is revised.