No doubt for most people, the promise of new freedoms prompts excitement.

Who isn't looking forward to catching up with loved ones and friends, dining out, engaging in a bit of retail therapy or getting a hair cut?

Sure there will still be some restrictions and the divide between Greater Sydney including Wollongong, and regional areas will remain for a while. Former NSW deputy premier John Barilaro warned that at 70 per cent, the current rules would apply with regard to travel. "There will be no movement from metro Sydney to the regions, unless authorized," he said.

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Regardless, we can all look forward to some easing of restrictions, and no doubt we will all be looking closely at the applicable rules to determine our freedoms.

However, it will be equally important consider our individual actions for the sake of the ourselves, our loved ones, the vulnerable and the community as a whole.

The gradual reopening does not herald the end of COVID. This virus can still be passed on - by both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. Some of those unvaccinated are not so by choice, children under 12 won't be vaccinated, and some, even with double vaccination, will be vulnerable.

The likelihood of people seriously ill with COVID needing hospitalisation and ventilation will continue. Our health services - doctors, nurses, paramedics and the like - will be on the frontline of this medical support, and under pressure to meet the demands of COVID patients as well as other health requirements.

The actions of every person will be essential in minimising the burden while allowing the gradual progression towards life as we knew it pre-COVID.

We have learnt much through the pandemic in an effort to protect ourselves from an invisible enemy - wearing masks, regular hand washing, physical distancing quickly spring to mind. Not only did these measures help reduce the spread of COVID, other ailments, including the flu, have also been less prevalent over the past 20 months.

Meanwhile, checking into venues with a QR code and freely showing that check in and vaccination certificate will help ease the burden of responsibility on the many businesses finally able to open the doors. They don't choose the rules, but they apply them so help them out - they have been impacted enough since the start of the pandemic.

And perhaps the biggest step we can all take to support a healthier community is to stay at home if we are unwell - regardless of whether you have a stomach bug, cold, flu or COVID.

We can all do our bit for a safer, healthier community.

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