Public outdoor swimming pools will be allowed to open across New South Wales from Oct. 27, including those in areas of concern, as the Australian summer approaches. The decision comes after the leaders of Sydney’s 12 local government areas of concern pleaded with Premier Gladys Berejiklian for restrictions to be eased. “All public pools will be open in a COVID-safe way, and those COVID safe plans will be formalised and made public, making sure that we keep the community safe as much as possible and prevent seeding,” Berejiklian said on Sept. 19. “But all of us appreciate the importance of enjoying the warmer weather, the positive mental health, and recreation and exercise.” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard said it was fantastic that restrictions in the state could begin easing due to high vaccination rates. “The NSW Government is determined to ensure everyone can benefit from increasing vaccination rates,” Hazzard said. …