Remember when our government stepped up, and Scott Morrison told us all that some very strict and not at all confusing rules were now in place for things like haircuts and funerals? What a good time 24 hours ago was, huh? There’s been a backflip on those rules already, and so while we try and unscramble the message that we’re being given, it would probably just save us all some time to copy what the New Zealanders are doing instead.
To start with the latest rule update (which will almost certainly change by tomorrow at this rate, but here’s where we’re at), the 30 minute limit on haircuts has now been lifted because of the “receipt of feedback.” My personal theory is that this rule wouldn’t have had to be backflipped on if they’d consulted literally any woman or POC, but that’s a rant for another day.
The rule about only having one person per four square meters is still in place though, so go figure.
As for funerals, State and Territory leaders can provide exemptions, but “only at the margin.” Basically it will be up to State and Territory governments to decide if one or two more people can attend someone’s funeral than the current restriction of ten.
So what’s Jacinda Ardern up to I hear you ask? Check out the text message that was sent to all of New Zealand.
Clear instructions about what to do during the COVID-19 pandemic? Good grief, I never thought I’d see such a thing.
She’s also been on the front foot in all sorts of ways. She’s been telling New Zealanders that “you are not alone”, she’s been asking Scott Morrison to help out New Zealanders stuck in Australia, and even gave a special press conference for kids so that they could understand what was happening.
We’re all going to be stuck inside for a while yet, and there are still a ton of decisions to be made. I say we cut our losses, stop the backflips on haircuts, and just follow what New Zealand do. It’ll probably get us out of this mess faster.
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