What you can and can’t do in NSW this weekend

Families cannot go for picnics, groups are not allowed out on a small boat and do not even think of a scenic drive this weekend under tough coronavirus restrictions. SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO

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Families cannot go for picnics, groups are not allowed out on a small boat and do not even think of a scenic drive this weekend under tough coronavirus restrictions.

NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller reiterated his stance that people must not leave their homes unless absolutely necessary — and if you do you must abide by social-distancing requirements.

Allowed: Running

Exercising has emerged as the major point of contention for the public trying to understand tough new guidelines that require a person to have an essential reason for being outdoors with some physical activity banned.

“Shopping for food, travel to work or school, medical treatment or exercise are all reasonable excuses,” Mr Fuller said.

“Exercise is important for physical and mental health. The list of exercise types is endless and it is not possible to list them all; and some forms of exercise are more active than others.

“The important thing is that people comply with the two-person rule when doing exercise, or that they only exercise with their household.”

The commissioner said he was overseeing every fine issued and would take a commonsense approach to whether these are enforced.

Allowed: Golf.

But with the advice changing all the time, many people are still confused about what they can and can’t do.

For example, families are not allowed to move from their self isolation at home and continue their self isolation at a park or beach while having a picnic.

After a last-minute intervention by Emergency Services Minister David Elliott, fishing has been allowed to continue.

Boxing is allowed if it’s undertaken alone but not if you break social-distancing rules to work in a pair with someone outside your household.

Those looking forward to a scenic drive during the weekend will be deflated as it has been deemed as not essential.

Psychologist Justin Coulson told The Daily Telegraph the restrictions will predominantly affect people in two ways.

Allowed: Outdoor yoga.

“One type of reaction is that people who have a strong sense of autonomy and agree the government regulations are wise and that by following these they are being responsible for themselves and others will be OK. Because they’re making the choice, they recognise the severity of this decision,” he said.

“On the other hand, there are people who feel the restrictions are overriding their sense of autonomy and feel that they’re being controlled. Like they’re victims of the state going too far. They will feel anger, frustration, anxiety and they have no control.”

He added, one of the best ways to counter these negative feelings is by exercising and being outside within regulations.

“Research shows physical activity is one of the most consistent ways to improve our wellbeing. We are designed to move.

“More data shows that green time, not screen time, is essential for living. If we are in nature we are normally with other people, doing a type of exercise and staying present.”

Allowed: Surfing.

With the mass closure of beaches in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, surfers who would normally flock to their home breaks have had to look further ashore.

Daniel Fox, 20, from Randwick, has been surfing at Freshwater beach.

“The numbers of people on the beach or people going for a swim have definitely dropped but there is a pretty consistent number of surfers,” he said.

“(Surfing) is really good for me. I’ve always found surfing a great way to get away and relax.”

ALLOWED

Golf

Tennis

Running

Cycling

Archery

Shooting

Pilates

Tai chi

Chess

Checkers

Frisbee golf

Horse riding

Yoga (outdoor or isolated)

Surfing (if the beach is open)

Sailing (if it’s essential exercise and only be on your boat alone or with one other person; or people who ordinarily live in the same household as you)

Swimming (if the location is open)

Fishing (for food)

Spearfishing (for food)

Mountain bike riding

Rock climbing (outdoor, two people)

Kayaking (one person per craft)

Boxing (solo bag workouts)

Dancing (alone or social distancing)

Badminton (if adhering to social isolation)

Slacklining (two people, preferably indoors)

Allowed: Kayaking in your own craft.

BANNED

Rugby league

Rugby union

Australian rules football

Soccer

Cricket

Netball

Baseball

Softball

Lawn bowls

Basketball

Touch football

Squash

Volleyball

Hockey

Ice hockey

HOW TO PLAN AN EASTER TO REMEMBER IN LOCKDOWN

Easter 2020 is set to be unlike any we have ever experienced but, current restrictions aside, there are plenty of ways for NSW residents to enjoy a traditional Easter.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russel Zimmerman said many retailers had adapted to ensure you can still access their goods.

“We need to try and carry on life as close as we can to normal and it’s fair to say kids will want their Easter eggs,” Mr Zimmerman said.

He said people should look to their local stores as many now deliver within their area and have established click and collect options.

Sydney chef Alessandro Pavoni with his wife and their two young kids and Nonna Iolanda Pavoni who lives in Italy but was visiting Australia when the outbreak struck her home town. Picture: Rohan Kelly

If online is not an option, Mr Zimmerman said it was important for customers to be respectful and adhere to social-distancing measures when in stores.

“Please consider retail employees are all part of the fabric of community, just take your time and be kind,” he said.

A traditional Easter for chef Alessandro Pavoni (pictured) is a big Italian gathering for lunch but this year he will be confined to his Sydney home with his mother, wife and their two young children. “What we are going to do is we are going to cook meals with the kids,” Mr Pavoni said.

“I plan to make a menu that is very playful ... because we will be able to spend a few hours creating, we can make most things from scratch.”

His top suggestions for dishes to make with children were gnocchi, orecchiette, tiramisu and lasagne.
“I may order some (Easter) egg moulds as I have the chocolate,” he said.

“The kids will get very dirty with the chocolate and have a great time.”