Coronavirus: Ten good reasons why mothers may be happy on Sunday

National cabinet will debate a relaxation of social distancing rules to allow groups of up to 10 people to gather by Mother’s Day.

Scott Morrison in Canberra on Tuesday. Picture: Getty Images

National cabinet will debate a relaxation of social distancing rules to allow groups of up to 10 people to gather together by Mother’s Day.

Scott Morrison and state and territory leaders will discuss easing restrictions in a meeting on Friday, potentially paving the way for the resumption of barbecues, dinner parties and family gatherings.

While the ultimate decision on restrictions will be made by state and territory leaders, Seven News reported the Prime Minister would push for gathering rules to be eased “as soon as possible”.

Mr Morrison warned that life will not “return to normal” until a vaccine for the deadly coronavirus becomes available, but expects some restrictions might be loosened after Friday’s national cabinet meeting.

Speaking to News.com.au on Wednesday, the Prime Minister said he would not pre-empt any of the measures that are expected to be relaxed, but said Australians should expect to see gradual changes. “You get to see changes happening gradually,” Mr Morrison said. “They’re not always going to happen at once, and they’ll continue to happen over the weeks and months ahead.

“Until there’s a vaccine, then there isn’t the possibility of us ­getting fully back to normal, but we want to get back to it as close as we possibly can.”

Asked about how Australians should celebrate this Mother’s Day given current restrictions, Mr Morrison said he was sure families would come up with innovative ways to mark the occasion, just as they had with Anzac Day.

“I’m sure they will elicit the same innovation and affection from the kids as it happens every year; they’ll just find a different way to do it,” Mr Morrison said.

“So that’s our task, Australia. Let’s be the most innovative and celebrating for our wonderful mums this Sunday.”

Mr Morrison in March limited public gatherings to two people and urged people against holding events in their homes.

“So that means barbecues of lots of friends, or even family, extended family coming together to celebrate one-year-old birthday parties, and those sorts of things, we can’t do those things now,” the Prime Minister said.

Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia have already adopted a 10-person gathering limit.

Meanwhile, NSW eased restrictions last week, allowing two adults and their children to visit another person’s home.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly warned the number of COVID-19 cases would likely increase as restrictions were eased.

Dr Kelly also said children were low transmitters of COVID-19 and the virus was not as contagious outdoors, as indoors.

“These are now strengthening our resolve in terms of our general principles as to how we are going to look at reopening society and reopening the economy in a COVID-safe way,” Dr Kelly said.