Australia’s road back to normality continues as more COVID-19 restrictions across the country are lifted from today. However, as our view of post-pandemic life becomes clearer, understanding the restrictions that remain is more important than ever before.
Hear all about life after lockdown below:
Last Friday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia was “on track” to begin easing certain restrictions as part of the government’s three-step framework to revive the economy following the devastating impact of COVID-19.
Here’s a rundown of the COVID-19 restrictions easing across Australia as of today:
New South Wales
From Monday June the 1st, the travel ban within NSW has been lifted which means you can now take trips to anywhere within the state. Restrictions have also eased for restaurants, pubs and cafes – they can now accommodate up to 50 people. However, the four-square-metre rule still applies, there is a restriction on bookings of no more than 10, and patrons must be seated to avoid the spread of COVID-19 in this Australian state.
Beauty salons across NSW can reopen for up to 10 clients at a time. Museums, galleries and libraries will also reopen across the state.
People living in NSW can now have up to 20 attendees at weddings, and 50 people at funerals. Places of worship can now allow 50 people at one time. However, there are rules across books, magazines, and collection plates for much of the above.
Victoria
In Victoria, you can now have up to 20 people in your household – which includes members of your household, children and babies.
20 patrons will be allowed in restaurants, cafes and pub dining areas – with social distancing restrictions applied. Art galleries, museums, libraries, zoos and more will reopen, accommodating up to 20 people in separate spaces.
Victorians will also be able to visit holiday rentals, caravan parks and campsites across the state for overnight stays. Places of worship in Victoria can reopen for up to 20, and the same number of people are allowed to attend weddings – excluding the celebrant and couple. At funerals, 50 people will be allowed to attend, in addition to the officiant and staff.
Beauty salons will also reopen in Victoria, with up to 20 clients following social distancing rules.
Queensland
Intrastate travel restrictions have been lifted across the Australian state of Queensland, and from midday today, cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs can open for up to 20 people.
Western Australia
People living in Western Australia COVID-19 restrictions have lifted on travel around the state, except for biosecurity areas and remote Aboriginal communities.
Australian Capital Territory
Canberrans can visit NSW for a holiday from today, however the 10 person limit for indoor and outdoor gatherings, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs (with dining areas) remains.
South Australia
In South Australia, beauty salons, tattoo and massage parlours, gyms, galleries, museums and cinemas will begin to reopen today – many with a restriction of 20 people. Venues can welcome up to 80 people – spread out in groups of 20, and pubs can serve drinks without a meal to seated patrons.
Funerals can welcome up to 50 guests, and non-contact sport has also resumed.
In other parts of Australia, including the Northern Territory and Tasmania, certain COVID-19 restrictions will begin to ease from Friday onwards.
If we’re successful in helping stop the spread of COVID, Australia could be moving in stage three of the framework by July – which includes an increase of gathering sizes to 100 people, a return to workplaces, the reopening of nightclubs, food courts, and saunas, a lift on interstate travel restrictions and a potential Cross-Tasman, pacific island and international student travel bubble.
In the last 24 hours, just 12 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed across Australia. Sadly, the country has also seen 103 people lose their lives to the deadly virus. If Australia wants to progress to stage three of the framework, see more restrictions lift and make a complete return to normality we need to follow the COVID-19 rules that still remain – that means understanding the importance of social distancing, hygiene and getting tested if you do have symptoms.
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