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Masks will be scrapped in almost all settings across NSW while QR code check-ins are also set to be dumped as part of huge changes to the state's Covid rules.
Premier Dominic Perrottet made the announcement on Thursday with the changes to come into effect from Friday.
QR codes willbe scrapped from all retail and hospitality except for nightclubs and large music festivals.
Density limits will be dumped and the state's work-from-home direction will also end.
However, revellers attending a music event with more than 1000 patrons will need to be fully vaccinated.
Perrottet said a plummeting number of infected people in hospital was the reason behind the changes.
"There are very pleasing signs now in hospitals at the moment right across our state. And so as a result we are lifting a range of restrictions," he said.
"From time to time, we will see cases increase ... This is the new reality."
Sydneysiders will no longer have to wear masks in most settings from next Friday. Photo / Getty Images
NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said people should "change their horizon of thought" about what the pandemic's next phase will look like.
On Wednesday there were 1478 people in hospital. The number of people in ICU remains the same.
Of Thursday's new cases, 5747 results were from rapid antigen tests and 4248 were the result of PCR tests.
Across the state, 94.2 per cent of people aged over 16 have had two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and 49.7 per cent are triple vaccinated.
Meanwhile, 83.5 per cent of children aged 12 to 15 have had one dose of a vaccine and 78.9 per cent are fully vaccinated.
Masks could soon be a thing of the past in New South Wales. Photo / Getty Images
Of children aged 5 to 11, 46 per cent have received a Covid-19 jab.
The current Covid-19 restrictions across the state are set to end on February 28, including mandatory QR check-in requirements for pubs, clubs and bars.
The rules also include indoor mask mandates, density limits and a ban on singing and dancing.
Check-in rules at venues such as supermarkets, offices and retail shops are also due to expire come February 28.