Top 50 coronavirus shutdown questions answered

Can I go to the hairdresser? Can I still hold my kid’s birthday party? Can my wedding go ahead? Can I go for a run or bike ride? We asked the state government 50 questions about what we can and can’t do during the shutdown. Here are their answers.

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Victoria’s new lockdown rules are set to change life as we know it across the state.

From hairdressers to weddings, kids’ birthday parties and bikerides, we asked the state government 50 questions about how Victorians should go about their lives during the coronavirus crisis.

Here are their answers, which assume people are healthy and haven’t been overseas or in contact with any confirmed coronavirus cases.

SOCIALISING

1. Can my child have a friend over for a play date?

While this is not banned, it’s not considered essential and therefore shouldn’t happen because it puts others at risk.

2. Can I have a small group of friends or family over for dinner or drinks?

Same as previous question.

3. What about a barbecue, an outdoor gathering or a poker game?

Same as question 1.

4. Should I go ahead with my child’s birthday party?

Having a party with your immediate family at home is okay. But inviting other people or elderly grandparents is not appropriate because it could put those people at risk.

5. I’ve been invited for a drink at a mate’s house — can I go?

While pubs and restaurants are closed, that doesn’t mean you should invite your mates over for beers. While it’s not banned, it’s not essential and therefore it shouldn’t happen.

Keep kids’ birthday party attendees to immediate family.

HELPING MATES

6. Can I look after the child of a friend who is a nurse and has to work?

Yes, so long as you have not been diagnosed with COVID-19 or returned from overseas to Australia within the 14 days.

7. Can I drop supplies to loved ones?

Yes, this is essential travel.

GETTING OUT

8. Can I go for a run around the Tan?

Yes, but ensure you keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

9. Can I go for a bike ride?

Same as previous question.

10. Can I take the kids to the local park?

Yes, but keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

11. At the park, should they pat other dogs?

Yes, but ensure you practice good personal hygiene (such as washing your hands) and keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

12. Can my children use on play equipment at the local park?

Yes, but ensure you practice good personal hygiene (such as washing your hands) and ensure you keep at least 1.5 metres away from other people.

13. Can we go to the beach?

Yes, but ensure you keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

Bike riding is OK, but say 1.5m away from other people. Picture: Andrew Tauber

FAMILY

14. Can I visit elderly relatives in aged care homes?

Yes, but only a maximum of two visitors each day for a maximum of two hours is allowed. You can only be a visitor if you have not been diagnosed with COVID-19, do not have fever, have been vaccinated against influenza and have not returned from overseas to Australia within the 14 days.

15. Can I get married and have a wedding party?

Yes, but that may change in the future. There must also be no more than one person per four square metres of indoor space.

ENTERTAINMENT

16. Can I go to the movies?

No. Cinemas are closed.

17. Can I gamble at Crown casino?

No. Crown’s gaming area is closed.

18. Can I go out to the pub with friends?

No. Pubs are closed.

19. Can I go out for brunch?

No. Cafes can only serve takeaway meals.

20. Can I go out for dinner?

No. Restaurants can only serve takeaway meals.

21. Can I go to the gym or play indoor sport?

No. Gyms and indoor sporting venues are closed.

Dining has been ruled out, only takeaway is available.

TRAVEL

22. Can I go camping?

Yes, but that may change in the future. The advice is that no one should undertake non-essential travel. You should consider whether it is essential. If you do go, ensure you keep at least 1.5m away from other people.

23. Can I go to stay at a cabin in a tourist park?

Same as previous question.

24. Can I still go the Airbnb I booked for five days next week?

Same as question 22.

25. Can I go and stay in my holiday house in Lorne?

Same as question 22.

26. Should I take the kids for hike?

Same as question 22.

TRANSPORT

27. Can I catch a taxi or an Uber?

Yes, but we recommend sitting in the back seat.

28. Will public transport keep running as normal?

Yes, but that may change in the future.

TAKEAWAYS

29. Can I go to the cafe to get a takeaway coffee and a croissant?

Yes.

30. Can I order meals to my house?

Yes. Delivery services can continue.

31. Can I get online shopping orders delivered?

Same as previous question.

GROOMING

32. Can I get a haircut?

While this is not banned, you should consider whether it is essential.

33. Can I get a waxing?

Same as previous question.

34. Can I get my nails done?

Same as question 32.

35. Can I get a massage?

Same as question 32.

Haircuts aren’t banned, but only go if it’s essential.

ALCOHOL

36. Will bottle shops stay open, or just the drive-through?

Bottle shops remain open. And while pubs are shut, drive-throughs attached to pubs can remain open.

SHOPPING

37. Will Bunnings remain open?

Yes, but that may change in the future. Consider whether you can shop online.

38. What about Harvey Norman, or Myer, or David Jones?

Same as previous question.

SERVICES

39. Can I take my car to the mechanic?

Yes.

40. Can I take my pet to the vet?

Yes.

41. Where can I buy food?

Supermarkets and fresh food stores (such as bakers, butchers and greengrocers) remain open.

42. Should I buy fresh fruit and veg which has been exposed?

Yes, but always practice good hand hygiene. And always wash the fruit and vegetables before eating.

43. Will my rubbish still be collected?

Yes.

44. Where do I get my medicine?

Pharmacies remain open.

45. Will auctions continue?

Yes, but that may change in the future.

46. Can I get a tradie to my house to fix something?

Yes, but you should consider whether the work is essential or you could put it off.

47. Can I get a tutor to come to my house to help with my kids’ education?

While this is not banned, you should consider whether it’s essential and consider adopting a remote tutoring arrangement instead. At this stage, schools will reopen in Term 2. Schools will put in place remote learning methods, if required.

Auctions are continuing — for now. Picture: Tim Carrafa

HEALTH

48. Should I see a doctor for a non-coronavirus issue or put it off to ease the strain on system?

If you are unwell you should see a doctor. If you have flu-like symptoms, please call the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

49. When should I seek a coronavirus test and how do I get one?

This is regularly updated by the Chief Health Officer based on the most up to date advice. Check the website for the most up to date advice: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/coronavirus-covid-19-daily-update

50. Can I go to the osteo?

While this is not banned, you should consider whether going to the osteo is essential.

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