Masks off, anxiety up for many in CBD

Nick, who had recently received his second dose of vaccine said he felt nervous about being out in the CBD.

"You've still got to go get Christmas shopping and things like that, but I am trying to minimise going out," he said.

"I've done what I can but there's still that level of nervousness there."

Read more: Hundreds of Thirroul families in lockdown as NSW let loose

Hayley and Nure were in Crown Street Mall, and said they also felt the end of many restrictions was "nerve wracking".

"It feels like it's gone from 100 to zero with no in between," Hayley said.

Nure agreed.

"We've been so used to being into lockdown, and that changes your mindset," she said.

The number of COVID-19 cases across NSW rose dramatically to 8pm on Tuesday night, with 26 cases in the Illawarra Shoalhaven.

From Wednesday the same rules apply to all people, regardless of whether they are vaccinated against COVID or not, in most settings. Density limits no longer apply and COVID-safe plans will be optional for businesses.

Masks are no longer be required in all public indoor settings; instead, people only need them on public transport and planes, and at airports.

However, few businesses in the mall said they noticed a difference in trade on Wednesday.

Many shoppers continued to wear masks, and businesses continued to offer voluntary QR check ins.

Carmel, of Ferrari Formal Wear and Bridal said business was busy - but due to formal season, not changes to restrictions.

"We really haven't seen any changes today," she said.

"Enforcing QR codes, masks, didn't worry me. I asked customers when they were here and everyone was an individual, but we didn't have an troubles."

One barista said she was continuing to take precautions, such as mask-wearing, and hoped customers would too.

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