The Federal Government’s easing of restrictions has been a source of joy for many. While Scott Morrison outlined the general plan, it has been at the discretion of each state premier to determine what restrictions can be eased in their state. In some cases, state borders have been closed which has presented a new set of challenges whether for local residents or those interstate.
How has each state eased restrictions?
Each state leader has looked at their states’s individual circumstances and how Covid-19 has had an impact in order to make a decision in easing restrictions.
Of course, the 1.5 metre physical distancing rule must still be observed.
New South Wales
New South Wales has allowed the following easing of restrictions:
– Five visitors to a household
– Public gatherings of up to 10 people
– Pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes can accommodate up to 10 customers for sit-down meals
– Some beaches allow people on the sand for recreational purposes. This is capped at 500 people
– Outdoor pools can open with restrictions
– Public exercise equipment and playgrounds can be used with caution
At this stage, there are no border restrictions in place for New South Wales.
Victoria
Victoria has taken a cautious approach with the following easing of restrictions:
– Five people can visit a household
– Gatherings of up to 10 people is permitted at some indoor venues such as places of worship and community centres
– Gatherings of up to 10 people for the purpose of non-contact sport and recreation in public settings such as National, State and public parks
– Outdoor recreation activities such as golf and fishing are now permitted
Victoria’s borders also remain open at this time.
Queensland
While Queensland’s borders remain closed, they have made quite a few other concessions. As part of their restrictions roll-back the following is now allowed:
– A maximum of 10 people can gather in a public space
– Up to 10 people can dine at restaurants, pubs, clubs, RSLs and cafes
– Recreational travel of up to 150km radius from your home for day trips is permitted
– Some beauty therapy and nail salons can accommodate up to 10 people at a time
– Libraries, play equipment, skate parks and outdoor gyms (max 10 people) have re-opened
– Open homes and auctions can go ahead with up to 10 people
– Public pools and lagoons have re-opened with a maximum of 10 people
Outback Queensland has slightly more relaxed restrictions with dining at pubs and clubs capped at 20 people and recreational travel of up to 500km from your home.
Western Australia
Due to low cases of Covid-19, Western Australia has been able to be more flexible in their easing of restrictions. However, border restrictions are in place. The following roll-backs have taken place:
– Up to 20 people are allowed at indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings, weddings and funerals (outdoor weddings and funerals can have up to 30 people)
– Up to 20 people can dine in cafes and restaurants including within pubs, bars, clubs and casinos
– Up to 20 people can participate in non-contact community sports and attend outdoor and indoor fitness classes with minimal shared equipment such as yoga, Pilates, boot camp, gymnastics and dance
– Public pools are permitted to open under strict guidelines
– Places of worship, community facilities and libraries are permitted to open
– Western Australians are encouraged to return to work unless they are unwell or vulnerable
– Regional travel is allowed within certain regions in Western Australia
– Short visits to aged care facilities are permitted
South Australia
The South Australian border is currently closed but the following activities are now permitted:
– Outdoor dining at restaurants and cafes for up to 10 people
– Gatherings of up to 10 people permitted in community, youth and RSL halls
– Regional travel within South Australia is allowed
– University and TAFE face-to-face tutorials can re-commence
– House auctions and inspections to recommence with max 10 people
– Local libraries are open, allowing 10 patrons at a time to enter
– Outdoor sports training is allowed for up to 10 people
– 20 people can attend indoor funerals and 30 people can attend outdoor funerals
– Places of worship can accommodate up to 10 people
– Up to 10 guests can attend weddings and ceremonies
– Pools can re-open with only 1 lap swimmer per lane and no more than 10 swimmers at once
– Campgrounds and caravan parks can go back to normal operation but gatherings are to be limited to 10 people
Tasmania
Tasmania has closed it’s borders but has allowed for the following:
– Five people can visit a household
– Up to 10 people can attend indoor and outdoor gatherings
– Restaurants, pubs, clubs, hotels and RSLs are open for dining for up to 10 people at a time
– Up to 20 guests can attend indoor funerals and 30 people can attend outdoor funerals
– Weddings, small religious ceremonies and private worship can have up to 10 attendees
– Aged care visits are permitted with no more than two visitors and capped at one visit per week
– National parks and reserves are open for exercise to residents within 30kms of their home
– TAFE campuses and training facilities are open for small invited groups of students to attend practical learning and assessment sessions
– Up to 10 people can use outdoor gyms, skate parks, play equipment in playgrounds and indoor and outdoor pools
– Outdoor exercise such as boot camps and sports training is permitted for up to 10 people
– Parks can be used for activities such as picnics as long as physical distancing is maintained
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT’s borders remain open and the following activities are now permitted:
– A maximum of 10 people are permitted to attend indoor and outdoor gatherings. This also includes gatherings in a person’s home
– Restaurants, cafes and other hospitality venues can seat up to 10 people at a time
– Up to 10 guests can attend weddings
– Up to 20 people can attend indoor funerals and 30 people can attend outdoor funerals
– Up to 10 people can attend religious ceremonies and places of worship
– Outdoor boot camps and other non-contact personal fitness training can be held for up to 10 people but there is to be no sharing of equipment
– A maximum of 10 people can attend open houses and auctions
Northern Territory
The Northern Territory are enforcing strict border controls but with few Covid-19 cases, most of which are recovered, they have been able to substantially relax restrictions. The following is permitted in the Northern Territory:
– Food and beverages can be served and consumed in shopping centre food courts
– Restaurants, cafes, bars, sports and RSL clubs are open to diners
– Organised training activities for sporting clubs and teams can go ahead
– Indoor and outdoor markets are open
– Operate or attend a beauty therapy salon for non-facial related services
– Operate and attend yoga, Pilates, Zumba, barre and dance classes
– Operate and attend a gym or other physical training activities such as Cross Fit
– Libraries and indoor playgrounds are open
– Attend religious services
– Art galleries, museums, public memorials, public historic sites, zoos and wildlife facilities are open
– Parks and reserves are open
While the easing of restrictions has been welcome, there has been pressure on some states to open their borders. Closing borders not only has an impact on tourism but also on potential employment. This may especially be the case with temporary visa holders who may no longer have employment in their home state but given the opportunity to travel may find employment elsewhere. It remains to be seen what restrictions will be further eased over the coming weeks.
