Coronavirus: NSW, Victoria stand firm amid easing rules

Australia’s two most populous states are standing firm in refusing to relax COVID-19 restrictions over the weekend.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: AAP

Australia’s two most populous states are standing firm in refusing to relax COVID-19 restrictions over the weekend, despite national cabinet setting out a clear path out of the lockdown.

While the nation’s territories, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia have already implemented or outlined relaxations to their rules in coming days, NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has ruled out easing restrictions this week, after allowing groups including two adults to visit other households last week.

In Victoria, a cocksure Daniel Andrews stood firm on his decision not to ease physical distancing restrictions until Monday, but saying he will have a “series of announcements” to make next week.

Asked whether he was worried he would lose the confidence of the populace by insisting on a longer lockdown than other states, Mr Andrews said Victorians “had listened” to his government, with 97.5 per cent of schoolchildren learning from home, and 127,000 people helping the state government surpass its goal of 100,000 COVID-19 tests by May 11.

“It’s not like it’s one or two people that have queued (to get tested) … by the time we’re finished, this will be the MCG and Marvel Stadium combined,” he crowed.

Mr Andrews said Victoria would not adopt all measures outlined in stage one of the national cabinet plan for easing restrictions.

Tasmanian Premier Peter Gutwein outlined a detailed, three-stage easing of restrictions from Monday, subject to public health advice, with limited opening of cafes and pubs from May 18 and all children at school by June 9.

State borders will not be opened until case numbers drop in other states. From May 18, stage one will see gatherings rise to 10 people, and restaurants and cafes, including inside pubs, open to seating for up to 10 patrons.

South Australia will on Monday lift restrictions on regional travel, caravan parks, public swimming pools, outdoor dining at restaurants and cafes and face-to-face tutorials at universities and TAFE colleges, with auctions and open inspections going ahead.

While the Northern Territory moved first on easing restrictions, opening parks, pools and playgrounds last week, with restaurants to reopen by May 15, the ACT lifted restrictions from midnight on Friday, allowing gatherings of up to 10 people in indoor and outdoor settings.

Queenslanders will be able to go back to the pub in a little over a week, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing that from May 16, restaurants, pubs, clubs and RSLs will be open, and up to 10 people will be able to gather in public places.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said his border closure would be the last COVID-19 restriction to be lifted, promising to release the details of his plan to relax restrictions on Sunday.

Additional reporting: Matt Denholm, Sarah Elks, David Penberthy,
Victoria Laurie