SYDNEY: Australia's New South Wales (NSW) government plans to unveil its roadmap today (Monday) for reopening the state from Covid-19 shutdowns, detailing the differing levels of freedoms to be afforded to citizens based on their vaccination status, reports Reuters.

With 60 per cent of people aged 16 and over fully inoculated — above the national average of 52pc — officials expect to reach their 80pc target around the end of October, based on current vaccination rates.

“You will be surprised at what will be announced,” Deputy Premier John Barilaro told 2GB radio. “If you want the freedoms we are talking about right across the board, you're going to have to be vaccinated.”

The state has begun to ease some restrictions, including in the capital Sydney, allowing construction sites to return to full capacity and outdoor swimming pools to reopen with social distancing measures in place.