Coronavirus do’s and don’ts: How to avoid a fine during statewide lockdown restrictions

Victoria is about to take its first steps out of coronavirus restrictions, but there's every chance authorities will continue to crack down on people doing the wrong thing. Here’s an updated comprehensive list of “do’s and don’ts” to help you avoid a fine.

Confusion surrounding the state’s strict coronavirus lockdown laws has left thousands of self-isolators wondering if regular activities such as a driving lesson or trip to the shops could result in a hefty fine.

We’ve put together a comprehensive list of what you can and can’t do during lockdown to help you avoid a costly whack to your bank balance, effective from 11.59pm on Tuesday night and in place until 11.59pm on May 31.

DRIVING

You can drive for five essential reasons — food and supplies, exercise and work, education, medical care, and visiting family and friends.

You can’t go on a roadtrip.

DRIVING LESSONS

You can allow an L-plater to drive a vehicle if you are travelling for one of the five essential reasons.

You can’t allow an L-plater to drive anywhere else just for practice.

You can’t attend a driving lesson with a driving instructor unless the lesson is part of necessary training associated with your job.

Motorists face hefty fines if they are caught driving for reasons other than essential travel. Picture: Penny Stephens

SCHOOLS

You can access your university or TAFE course remotely.

You can take your child to kindergarten or childcare.

You can’t take your child to primary or secondary school unless no study from home environment is available to your child or you are unable to be at home with your child.

Click here for more information relating to Term 2.

HEALTHCARE

You can go to your GP or emergency department.

You can go to the physiotherapist.

You can get a massage from a physiotherapist.

You can go to the podiatrist.

You can visit a loved one in hospital however strict and varying visitation rules apply. Go to the hospital website for further information.

You can’t go straight to your GP or hospital if you have symptoms of coronavirus. You must call the clinic and discuss your symptoms and travel history and you will be advised what to do next.

TRAVEL

You can travel to Australia if you are a citizen, resident or immediate family.

You can use public transport for essential travel. While you are on board, you should try to stay 1.5 metres away from other passengers.

You can use rideshare vehicles for essential travel but you should sit in the back seat.

You can’t go home if you arrive to Australia from overseas. You must undertake a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a facility such as a hotel, as organised for you.

You can’t stay in Australia if you hold a visitor visa. If you can’t return to your home country, you need to maintain a valid visa and stay engaged with the health system.

SHOPPING AND BANKING

You can visit supermarkets for essential groceries as long as you abide to new in-store physical distancing rules.

You can fill up at the petrol station.

You can bank online or at your local teller.

You can shop at the newsagency.

You can shop at the chemist.

You can shop your favourite clothes or cosmetics online.

You can go to the shops with a friend or family member if you or they need help shopping, or you can’t leave them at home.

You can’t eat a meal or loiter inside a shopping centre.

Woolworths and Coles introduced strict new customer limits in stores in a bid to enforce further social distancing measures during COVID-19. Picture: David Crosling

VISITORS

You can host a maximum of five visitors at your house.

AGED CARE

The state government encourages people not to visit aged care facilities unless they are absolutely needed to support a relative.

Some facilities are asking people not to visit at all.

You can’t visit an aged care facility if you have returned from overseas or you have been in contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within two weeks of your planned visit.

You can’t visit an aged care facility if you have a fever or symptoms of an acute respiratory infection.

You can’t visit an aged care facility if you are under 16 years old.

You can’t visit an aged care facility if you have not been vaccinated against influenza.

PALLIATIVE CARE

Palliative care staff will make decisions on a case-by-case basis for residents who have reached end of life.
The state government encourages people to call the appropriate facility for further information about visiting loved ones.

FUNERALS

You can attend a funeral, but no more than 20 people are allowed to attend an indoor service, and no more than 30 can attend an outdoor service.

WEDDINGS

You can get married as long as there is no more than 10 people in attendance.

CHURCHES

You can attend a church for a wedding or funeral.

You can’t attend a church to worship.

BEACHES

You can walk, run and swim at the beach as long as you keep visits short and maintain physical distancing, but you should check in with your local council before you visit as some have implemented specific rules.

You can’t sun bake or sit on the beach.

Victorians are permitted to visit beaches for exercise but should check in with their local council as rules may vary. Picture: Penny Stephens

EATING

You can order food to be delivered to your home contact-free via mobile dining apps.

You can order a meal for pick up at your favourite local takeaway restaurant.

You can pick up food through a fast food restaurant drive through.

You can take your meal home to eat.

You can’t dine in.

EXERCISE

You can go for a walk, run or bike ride near your home.

You can exercise outdoors with a group of up to 10 people.

You can’t use indoor or outdoor gyms.

You can’t go to the playground.

You can’t go to the skatepark.

You can’t go to your local swimming pool or recreational community centre.

PETS

You can take your pet to the vet.

You can adopt a pet from a shelter. The RSPCA is offering adoptions by appointment, with Victorians instructed to browse available animals online before calling to schedule a meet time with their new pet.

You can’t contract the coronavirus from a pet.

You can take your dog for a walk as long as you maintain physical distancing from others. Picture: Penny Stephens

BEAUTY

You can get a haircut.

You can’t visit a retail or private beauty therapist for spray tans, waxing or nail art.

You can’t get a tattoo.

You can’t get a massage at a massage parlour.

ENTERTAINMENT

You can’t go to a concert, nightclub, gambling venue, cinema, arcade, theatre or adult entertainment venue.

RECREATION

You can play golf in groups of up to 10 people.

You can go hiking, fishing, boating or waterskiing in groups of up to 10 people.

You can’t camp or go caravanning overnight.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

You can visit a food bank or homeless service if you need help.

You can attend a caravan or camping park for purposes of respite if it is open to victims of family violence, vulnerable groups or for care purposes.

You can attend a caravan or camping park if you live there permanently or as an interim abode because your primary residence is unavailable.

AUCTIONS

You can attend an auction if there no more than 10 people in attendance, plus people who are running the auction.

You can privately inspect a home by appointment.

You can buy and sell a house remotely.

Victorians face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses for breaching restrictions.

Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.

Victorians face on-the-spot fines of $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses for breaching restrictions.

Larger fines can also be issued through the courts.

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