Yesterday was 'unmasking day', a kind of freedom day, but no one dared use the word, especially when queues for COVID-19 testing venues were starting to become longer, and we could see the number of positive cases rising.

When NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet announced a press conference on early Wednesday, we expected the worst. Instead, we were given a surprise treat. The Premier decided that we're all adults and we can take 'personal responsibility' for our COVID-19 avoidance tactics.

Knowing Christmas means parties, large gatherings and general germ spreading, he also announced significant changes to the rules around close contacts of those exposed to COVID-19.

To avoid cancelling Christmas, fully vaccinated close contacts will only need to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test. In the same press conference, Dr Kerry Chant asked people to continue wearing masks, celebrate Christmas outdoors, and be cautious about their activities.

With COVID-19 cases now predicted to hit 25,000 by the end of January due to this relaxation in close contact rules, it's understandable that some health professionals are concerned that Christmas 2021 will be remembered as a super spreader event.

Meanwhile, families in Thirroul where students from K to Y2 who were told to isolate after being deemed close contacts have been left wondering if they are now free to roam or if Christmas is cancelled.

NSW Health and the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District were unable to confirm if unvaccinated people still needed to isolate as a close contact. Dr Chant said in yesterday's press conference that people would be free after a test 'depending on their status'.

It sounds as though the rules are being made up on the spot and that we are all going to be enjoying a rather chaotic Christmas.

- Gayle Tomlinson