How Australia will reopen from coronavirus lockdown

Scott Morrison has outlined the nation’s path out of the coronavirus crisis | EXPLAINER

Relief is in sight for the nation’s cafe owners and workers. Picture: Aaron Francis

Scott Morrison has outlined the nation’s path out of the coronavirus crisis with a three-step approach to reopening the economy.

The stages, agreed upon in national cabinet today and designed to guide the relaxation of social distancing restrictions, include the first step of allowing gatherings of up to five people in homes and ten people in businesses and public places.

While it will be the responsibility of the states and territories to decide when to move through the phases, the third and final part of the plan is expected to be rolled out nationally by July.

The Prime Minister on Friday said the Treasury had estimated the ambitious plan would get 850,000 people back to work in the coming months.

More than one million Australians have applied for the government’s JobSeeker payment since losing their jobs as a result of the pandemic.

“You can stay under the doona forever and you’ll never face any danger. But we’ve got to get out from under the doona at some time,” he said on Friday.

“If not now, well, then when?”

Three stages

Cafes, restaurants and shops will be permitted to reopen under the first stage, which allows for public outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people.

Five people will be allowed to visit other homes.

Weddings will be allowed up to 10 guests in addition to the couple and celebrant, while funerals can have 20 mourners indoors and 30 outdoors.

In stage two, non-work gatherings will be allowed 20 people, with the figure increasing to 100 under the third step.

Gyms and cinemas will be allowed to reopen under the second phase.

Pubs and clubs won’t be allowed to reopen until the final stage, which will see people return to workplaces on a larger scale.

Travel

Local and regional travel will be allowed to begin in step one of Australia’s path out of the coronavirus lockdown, but major international travel is off the cards for the foreseeable future.

Mr Morrison said travel to New Zealand and other Pacific nations under a trans-Tasman deal will not be considered until the third and final stage.

“I can’t see that happening any time soon. There’s nothing on our radar which would see us opening up international travel in the foreseeable future,” he said.

Physical distancing to continue

Physical distancing requirements will remain in place to limit the spread of the virus, which has caused 97 deaths nationally.

“Step one is tentative, baby steps into normalisation,” Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said.

“If everything goes well, we don’t have big outbreaks, step two could be more confident.”

Mr Morrison said moving through the stages would be guided by medical advice.

“When that plan has been implemented, people will be back in work, people will be back together, and Australia will be stronger.”

Victoria will not relax rules until at least Monday while the ACT announced indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people can be held from midnight Friday.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has flagged a cautious approach.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference following a National Cabinet meeting. Picture: Getty Images

International inquiry

Mr Morrison also reiterated his support for an independent inquiry into the virus’ origins.

He said his calls for an investigation were not “directed at anyone” and he just “wants to know what happened so it doesn’t happen again.”

“It’s a pretty honest question, with an honest intent and an honest motive,” Mr Morrison said.