Beauty salons, massage parlours banned in new social distancing restrictions

BEAUTY salons are banned, weddings and funerals have strict restrictions and the Parap, Nightcliff and Rapid Creek markets are up in the air in new social distancing rules

WEDDINGS and funerals have almost been banned as Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduces further social distancing rules

BEAUTY salons are banned and weddings and funerals have strict restrictions as Prime Minister Scott Morrison introduces further social distancing rules.

Those wishing to be wed can have a maximum of five people in the room: the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses.

Funerals are now restricted to only 10 people in attendance.

Mr Morrison said he the restrictions were tough but necessary. The new restrictions will come into effect from midnight Wednesday evening.

He said Australians should not go out unless it is “absolutely necessary”.

He said people should only be going outside if they were exercising, buying food and supplies, seeking medical care, going to work if they cannot work from home, and fulfilling caring responsibilities.

Massage therapy and beauty salons are also banned, however hairdressers are allowed to continue, provided appointments are kept to less than 30 minutes.

Outdoor personal training or bootcamp fitness groups are now limited to 10 people.

Mr Morrison said many markets would also be banned, however he was leaving the specifics of market bans up to the states and territories.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner is yet to say whether the Parap, Rapid Creek, Nightcliff and other markets will continue.

The Mindil Beach Sunset Markets have already been postponed at least a month.

“The point is you should only go out to those essential things,” he said.

He said the medical expert advice on schools had not changed.

“It is safe to send your child to school,” he said.

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Mr Morrison said anyone who had a job was an essential worker.

Australia’s “do not travel” advice has now been turned into a strict ban on overseas trips.

Limited exceptions will apply for compassionate travel, aid work and trips for essential employment.