New South Wales, Australia’s largest state, will begin easing restrictions on some gatherings and allow restaurants to open with new restrictions starting May 15, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Sunday.

Restaurants and cafes will be allowed to open for up to 10 patrons at a time. Outdoor gatherings, weddings, and religious services will be limited to 10 people, while outdoor funerals will be permitted with up to 30 mourners.

“The changes will allow New South Wales (NSW) to fire up the economy, while allowing more personal freedoms,” Berejiklian said during a televised press conference early Sunday.
“We do the easing of restrictions with caution and because we’ve demonstrated collectively our ability to listen to the restrictions, to respect them, and that is why I’m please asking everybody to show that same vigilance as we move forward.”

In a statement released Sunday by the NSW Government, Health Minister Brad Hazzard reminded citizens to remain aware of the continuing coronavirus pandemic, adding that “without a vaccine we need to be vigilant, especially when restrictions lift.”

Australia’s Prime Minister outlined on Friday a three-step plan to reopen the economy and society, but said it would be up to individual states when they put it in place. The NSW will consider steps two and three of the plan in due course, the statement on Sunday said.