How Victoria’s social distancing restrictions could be scaled back
The coronavirus restrictions are unlikely to be lifted before May 11, but then it’s possible tough measures will be gradually eased. These are the activities you could be doing first as Victoria reopens.
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Here’s what Victoria’s road to recovery could look like and how social distancing measures could be scaled back.
1 ELECTIVE SURGERY
A ban on elective surgery will be eased from Monday, with about a quarter of waiting lists reopened after a month-long suspension of category two and three procedures.
2 VISITING FAMILY
Visiting some family members is tipped to be one of the first social distancing measures to be eased, with health minister Jenny Mikakos hinting at the possibility.
3 PLAYING GOLF
Victorians have been left puzzled by Premier Daniel Andrews’ steadfast refusal to allow golfers back on the course, but with other states opening up the fairways, we could follow suit.
4 FISHING
Like golf, fishing remains off the cards but industry sources say the government may lift the ban as early as next week, as long as social distancing is maintained.
5 SCHOOLS MIGHT GO BACK
While most Victorian students are learning from home, schools are open, and medical advice is they are not a dangerous place to be. In NSW, students will start returning to school one day a week from May 11, and it is possible Victoria could implement something similar if the state’s medical advice changes.
6 OFFICES REOPEN
Already some people are returning to work, and more could follow as they tire of the restrictions of the home office. Work is a legitimate reason to be away from home, but many employers have asked staff to stay away. The federal government is keen to prioritise low-risk, high-value economic activity as restrictions are eased.
7 AFL RETURNS
Planning is well under way to bring footy back with the state’s chief health officer in talks with AFL boss Gillon McLachlan about how it could work. Premier Daniel Andrews is keen to see the sport return too. The AFL has contemplated setting up hubs for teams to avoid regular travel, and the rest of the season will likely be played without crowds.
8 FUNERAL AND WEDDING BAN LIFTED
Funerals and weddings remain allowed with a very limited number of guests. Because of the amount of people that usually gather in close proximity at both events it is tipped the guest limits could be among the last of the restrictions to be relaxed.
9 CAFES, PUBS AND RESTAURANTS REOPEN
Premier Daniel Andrews and Prime Minister Scott Morrison have warned cafes, pubs and restaurants will remain closed for some time. They are expected to be among the last of the restrictions to be lifted.
10 TRAVEL STARTS UP AGAIN
Travel will almost certainly be the last of the bans to be lifted. Domestic travel will come first, although that would require some states to relax border restrictions. International travel may not be allowed until well into until next year.
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