Masks will be hanging around for a while but there’s good news for hospitality venues - from next Thursday 500 people will be allowed back inside pubs and clubs and standing service returns.

People heading to shopping centres won’t need to check in and at other places that don’t require proof of vaccination - while 45,000 fans can head to the round three western derby at Optus stadium.

The Premier says the decision to relax the restrictions from next week comes as the state's Omicron peak is expected today or in the coming days.

There was 8616 cases new cases overnight - with 209 people in hospital - 9 of those in intensive care and a woman in her 80’s has died.

The Premier admits cases will most likely remain in the thousands when restrictions are wound back, how long they’ll stay in place for will depend on hospitalisation figures over the coming months.

Masks will be hanging around for a while but there&rsquo;s good news for hospitality venues - from next Thursday 500 people will be allowed back inside pubs and clubs and standing service returns. People heading to shopping centres won&rsquo;t need to check in and at other places that don&rsquo;t require proof of vaccination - while 45,000 fans can head to the round three western derby at Optus stadium. The Premier says the decision to relax the restrictions from next week comes as the state's Omicron peak is expected today or in the coming days. There was 8616 cases new cases overnight - with 209 people in hospital - 9 of those in intensive care and a woman in her 80&rsquo;s has died. The Premier admits cases will most likely remain in the thousands when restrictions are wound back, how long they&rsquo;ll stay in place for will depend on hospitalisation figures over the coming months.

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