Regional travel weeks away as NSW Premier prepares to reveal roadmap out of COVID lockdown

WATCH LIVE: NSW Premier reveals Sydney’s ‘Freedom Plan’

The final touches have been made to the NSW roadmap out of COVID-19 lockdown, with details expected to be unveiled on Thursday.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian met with her cabinet on Wednesday night to decide on the next steps for the state.

7NEWS can reveal regional travel is among several freedoms expected to resume when the state reaches 70 per cent double dose vaccination coverage, on the condition that the traveller, accommodation provider and staff are all fully vaccinated.

It’s understood there is no permit system planned, but individuals will need to provide proof of vaccination.

The freedoms will also apply to residents in areas that have not yet reached the 70 per cent threshold.

The state’s 70 per cent double-dose milestone is expected around October 18.

Other restrictions are likely to be eased once that target is reached – with access to pubs, clubs and restaurants, personal services, including hairdressing, retail shopping and ticketed public events for fully vaccinated residents.

COVID-safe plans and measures will remain in place, including mandatory masks, social distancing requirements and capacity limits.

QR code check-ins through the Service NSW app, which will show proof of vaccination, will also be mandatory.

Vaccination targets

The regional lockdown is currently scheduled to end on Friday, and 7NEWS understands some council areas with no active cases could be lifted out of lockdown as planned.

In areas where there are active cases, or that are close to outbreaks – such as Dubbo, Bourke, the Central Coast – it’s likely lockdown will be extended in line with Greater Sydney.

The government has consistently promised greater freedoms for the fully vaccinated at 70 per cent double-dose coverage and further restored freedoms – including international travel and the relaxation of hotel quarantine – at 80 per cent coverage.

The state has now surpassed 75 per cent first-dose vaccination coverage for eligible residents, while nearly 43 per cent are fully vaccinated.

NSW reported 1480 new locally acquired cases of COVID-19 and nine deaths in the 24 hours to 8pm on Tuesday, including a western Sydney man in his 20s.

– with AAP