In a “win for common sense”, the NSW government has confirmed its indoor mask mandate will end as planned on December 15.

On either the 15th, or when 95 per cent of the population are fully-vaccinated, face masks will no longer be required in shops and venues, nor will patrons be required to sign in via QR code and prove their vaccination status.

The following exceptions will apply:

• Masks will only be required on public transport and planes, at airports, and for indoors front-of-house hospitality staff who are not fully vaccinated.

• QR check-ins will only be required at high-risk venues including hospitals, aged and disability care facilities, gyms, places of worship, funerals or memorial services, personal services (e.g. hairdressers and beauty salons), limited hospitality settings (including pubs, small bars, registered clubs and nightclubs), and for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

• Proof of vaccination will still be required for indoor music festivals with more than 1,000 people.

Businesses can choose to enforce QR sign-ins and proof of vaccination if they want to.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet welcomed the “great day” on the horizon as a boon for small businesses, especially those in the hospitality industry.

He told Ben Fordham “it’s about getting the balance right”.

“It’s been very hard for us glasses-wearing people during this!”

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Image: Brook Mitchell/Getty Images