Coronavirus: the restrictions that ease around Australia on June 1
Pubs, restaurants and cafes are the big winners as beauty salons reopen on a landmark day.
Social distancing regulations will ease across the nation today, as Australia embarks on the next step back to normal life. See the state-by-state breakdown below.
New South Wales
Pubs, restaurants and cafes in New South Wales are allowed up to 50 patrons if they can abide by the four-square-metre. As reported in The Australian, it is expected that NSW Health will announce on Monday that larger pubs and restaurants with separate dining spaces will be allowed to have 50 in each space.
Intrastate travel has also been relaxed, meaning people can travel anywhere in the state. Libraries, galleries and museums in the state will also open. With up to 20 attendees allowed at weddings, with 50 at funerals. Up to 50 worshippers can attend places of worship.
Beauty salons will reopen to a maximum of 10 clients at a time, however, reading materials will be removed from waiting areas and clients subjected to social distancing rules.
Victoria
From Monday, Victorians will be allowed up to 20 people in their households at any given time, including members of the household. Finding a seat to have a meal, coffee or beer will also become easier with 20 people allowed at cafes, restaurants and pubs – as long as social distancing restrictions are observed.
Skateparks and playgrounds will reopen, while outdoor sport groups with up to 20 people will also be allowed. Indoor and outdoor swimming pools will open to 20 people with 3 people per lane.
The state’s struggling tourism sector will breathe easier with overnight stays allowed at holiday rentals, hotels and Airbnbs, along with caravan parks and campsites.
Churches, synagogues and other places of worship will be allowed up to 20 people, while weddings will be permitted 20 plus the celebrant and the couple. Funerals can have 50 bereaved in addition to the officiant and funeral staff.
Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, spas, tattoo parlours and massage parlours can reopen with up to 20 patrons subject to the four square metre rule.
Queensland
From midday, cafes, pubs and restaurants in Sunshine State can have 20 people, while larger venues will be permitted 20 people in different spaces if they adhere to the COVID Safe Industry Plan. Unlimited travel across the state, including overnight stays, will also be permitted.
Western Australia
In the west of the country, West Australians will be able to travel anywhere across the state, with the exception of biosecurity areas and remote Aboriginal communities.
Premier Mark McGowan is expected to announce the third phase of easing restrictions, but it is expected to be relaxed by mid-June.
Tasmania
Tasmanians will have to watch on for the time being, with Premier Peter Gutwein pencilling in June 9 and June 15 to ease restrictions.
Students from years 7 to year 10 will return to school on June 9, while from June 14 gatherings up to 20 people will be allowed in indoor and outdoor areas, such as restaurants, cinemas and museums. Funerals will be allowed up to 50 people.
Intrastate travel restrictions will also be eased, with trips across the state and overnight stays allowed.
Northern Territory
The two-hour limit on indoor activities will be removed from noon on Friday, as normal service resumes at bars and clubs – food will no longer be compulsory. Cinemas and entertainment ideas will be allowed to reopen.
Sporting teams will dust off the boots and runners, with team sports such as football and Aussie rules also permitted.
Australian Capital Territory
Citizens of the Australian Capital Territory will be allowed to cross the border and visit NSW for a holiday. Further easing of restrictions are yet to be announced.
South Australia
South Australia’s two-step plan has been brought forward by Premier Steven Marshall, meaning cinema and theatres can reopen with a 20 person limit. Galleries and museums will also open their doors.
Pubs will be allowed to serve drinks without meals, although patrons will be required to be seated. Venues will be allowed up to 80 people, provided only 20 people are in each room or area.
Beauty, nail, tattoo and massage parlours can reopen today, subject to social distancing regulations.
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