Here’s what you can do in SA this Easter long weekend
We need to stay home and stop the spread this Easter long weekend. And if you’re going to venture out to a national park, be warned there will be a doubling of rangers to ensure you stick to social distancing rules.
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South Australians who want to exercise or get outdoors over the Easter break are being urged to stick to their local parks and reserves to stop the spread of coronavirus.
And for those heading to national parks, there will be double the normal number of park rangers on duty this Easter to ensure people are following social distancing rules.
However, Cleland Wildlife Park will close at 5pm today and not re-open over Easter, while Mount Lofty Botanic Gardens, Seal Bay, Naracoorte and Tantanoola Caves and Old Adelaide Gaol will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Campgrounds are closed in all parks.
Environment Minister David Speirs said national parks were an excellent place for people
to get outside but must adhere to social distancing rules.
“It is still important we avoid non-essential travel to stop the spread of COVID-19, which is why we want people to only visit their local park,” Mr Speirs said.
“We’re recommending that people visit parks.sa.gov.au before they head out - to find parks that are in their neighbourhood instead of just visiting popular spots such as Waterfall Gully which may be not be local.”
National Parks and Wildlife Service SA executive director Mike Williams said additional rangers reiterated to use local parks only.
“This means within walking distance; or within a 10 minute drive from home; or within a 30 minute bike ride from home.”
There will also be no time limits on how long people can stay in parks.
Under current guidelines, exercise needs to be in compliance with public gathering and social distancing guidelines with no more than 10 people in one group.
Playgrounds, skate parks, outdoor exercise, barbecues, firepits and showers remain closed.
Mountain biking, tennis court hire, fishing, kayaking and horse riding is still allowed in certain parks.
An SA Health spokeswoman said: “While it’s good to get exercise and fresh air, anyone visiting a park must maintain social distancing measures, hand hygiene, and follow the state rules on outdoor gatherings.”
Avid walker Alicja Porzuczek, of Redwood Park, said she would stay local when she goes on her walks over the Easter break.
“When people just drive away somewhere further then they might stop to use toilets, pick up petrol, food and water and then it can become easier to spread the virus,” Ms Porzuczek said.
“I believe that going into nature and exercise is good for your mental and physical health … and with social isolation it is sometimes nice to see someone in the distance and say hello.”
What you can do this Easter weekend
Can I go and visit family for Easter?
South Australians have been urged to stay at home with their immediate families or household groups over Easter.
Can I spend Easter with my partner who lives at a different address?
Yes, couples living apart are able to visit each other at home.
Can I go to my holiday house?
SA Health has advised South Australians to avoid non-essential travel and stay at home.
Can I stay at a camping ground or caravan park?
No.
Will public transport services still be running?
Yes, but they will run to a public holiday timetable.
Am I allowed to catch taxis and/or ride-share services?
Yes, but rides are restricted to a maximum of three passengers who are required to sit in the back seat. Female-focused ride-sharing firm Shebah will only transport one passenger at a time.
Can I visit supermarkets, hardware stores and bottle shops?
Yes, although they will have reduced trading hours for Easter.
Can I go to the Central Market?
The Market will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, but open on Saturday. The Market’s click-and-collect service will run today, but orders need to be placed before 11am.
Can I get food from a cafe or restaurant?
Only as takeaway. Check restaurant for further details.
Can I go to a cellar door or winery?
No, they are closed. All takeaway sales are banned but alcohol can be sold online or over the phone.
Can I take the kids to the playground?
No, all playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms are closed.
Can I go to the gym?
No, gyms are closed.
Can I kick the footy in the park?
Yes, either with the people you live with or one other person and social distancing is maintained.
Can I go to the beach?
In most cases, yes. Keep visits short and maintain physical distancing. Check your council website to see if beaches are closed in your area.
Can I go for a hike?
Yes, national parks remain accessible for exercise if physical distancing requirements are strictly followed. Visit parks.sa.gov.au for more information.
Can I go to the library?
No, libraries, art galleries and museums are closed.
Can I go to the swimming pool?
No, all public pools are closed.
Can I go fishing?
Fishing is permitted but the same COVID-19 rules apply on water as they do on land.
Can I go to the zoo?
No, Adelaide Zoo and Monarto Safari Park are closed.
Can I go play golf?
Many golf clubs across South Australia have kept courses open, despite the national body recommending closing. Rules include playing in groups of two, time limits between tee-offs and no competitions. Check with your local course.
Can I go to the pharmacy?
Yes, they are deemed an essential service, but check holiday opening hours.
Can a tradesperson come to my house to work?
Yes, but you must ensure physical distancing while they are there
Can I exercise with a friend?
Yes, as long as you practise social distancing. No groups larger than 10 people.
Can I get a takeaway coffee with a friend?
Yes, you can if it is part of a walk. But official advice is to have an online coffee catch-up instead.
Can I get a massage?
No, massage parlours and spas are closed.
Are weddings allowed?
Yes, but it must be capped at five people – which includes the couple getting married, the celebrant and a maximum of two witnesses.
Can I get a haircut?
Yes.
Can I go to the cinema.
No, cinemas are closed.
Are Easter services going ahead?
No, all places of worship, of all denominations, are closed, see story above.
Can Easter Bunny still visit?
Yes, the bunny has been granted a so-called “egg-xemption” to travel around Australia. Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy has declared that the Easter Bunny’s role an essential service.
Tune in to watch church services by video
Church leaders across the state are adapting to coronavirus social distancing, offering services via video through free-to-air television or the internet this Easter.
The Adelaide Archdiocese has partnered with community television station Channel 44 to bring Easter services to churchgoers.
Hosted by Father Philip Marshall, Thursday’s Holy Thursday Mass will be filmed live from St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in Adelaide. Other masses will be filmed and made available by internet link throughout the weekend.
Adelaide Archdiocese Administrator Delegate Father Philip Marshall said, it was important for Catholics to be able to maintain their religious devotions – even at a distance - in these extraordinary times.
“It is definitely unusual for a priest to be saying mass to an empty Cathedral, speaking to someone who is holding a camera, but these are unusual times,” he said.
“We have been heartened by the thousands of people viewing our online masses and it is also pleasing to see clergy and parishes finding new ways to connect with their communities through Zoom and social media.” The Catholic Church expects more than 10,000 people to view its service.
Baptist churches are also serving the community during the pandemic and Easter through the video-conferencing app Zoom.
“We will miss being together in person, but we recognise this is the best way to love one another as a community during the pandemic,” state executive Minister of Baptist Churches Mike Mills said.
“We know that this situation is helping us all to focus on what really matters, which for many in our community includes experiencing the presence and peace of God and we believe the Easter story provides that certain hope.”
He said Baptist Churches across the state had already experienced between 5000 and 10,000 people tune in to regular Sunday services through Zoom.
Lutheran Reverend David Altus said young people were helping older pastors learn new technology through digital technology, which was banding the community together. Other video services will be provided by the Uniting Church and Anglican Church groups.
- Dixie Sulda