Covid-19 Australia: Dominic Perrottet celebrates Freedom Day saying Gladys is 'with us in spirit'

Dominic Perrottet paid tribute to his fallen predecessor as he celebrated NSW's first day out of lockdown with a schooner of beer. 'It has been a difficult 100 days but the efforts that people have made right across the state to go out and get vaccinated has enabled this great day to occur,' Mr Perrottet said. Mr Perrottet made the touching remark while signalling the end to stay-at-home orders by pouring a couple of beers at Watson's Pub in Moore Park on Monday Having surpassed the 70 per cent vaccination milestone early last week, gyms, cafes, restaurants, pools, shops, hairdressers and beauticians have reopened and people are allowed to travel more than 5km from home. The premier called for patience as tens of thousands of residents are expected to hit retail stores, pubs and restaurants to celebrate the first day of eased restrictions Mr Perrottet made the touching remark while marking the end to lockdown and pouring a couple of beers at Watson's Pub in Moore Park on Monday NSW was initially forecast to meet the target two weeks later, but high uptake of the vaccine has pushed forward the expected date by a week. 'It has been a difficult 100 days but the efforts that people have made right across the state to go out and get vaccinated has enabled this great day to occur,' Mr Perrottet said Business owners and hospitality staff are nervous the risk of transmission is still high, and the risk of abuse from customers is even higher 'They're a few weeks behind us.