Tasmanians enjoy some sense of freedom as coronavirus restrictions begin to ease

The Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens are now open again for people looking to stretch their legs and get some fresh air — but it will be months before we can go back to our normal lives. SEE THE ROADMAP TO RECOVERY TIMELINE >>

TASMANIANS are starting to enjoy a renewed sense of freedom, with the first easing of coronavirus restrictions coming into effect this week.

From Monday, national parks and reserves were open to residents for exercise within 30km of their home, while limited visits to aged care homes were also now allowed.

REVEALED: TASSIE’S ROADMAP OUT OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

One of the most popular venues to reopen was Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, after it was forced to close on March 30 due to measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Residents were able to enjoy the gardens on Monday, but had to continue observing physical distancing rules, including limiting groups to two people except for household members.

Friends Tiffany Bester, 20, of Glen Lusk, and Bethany Toth, 19, of Claremont, enjoying the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens being reopened. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Friends Tiffany Bester and Bethany Toth visited the gardens, eager to stretch their legs and get outdoors.

“We’ve been sick of being cooped up inside and it’s nice to get out in nature,’’ said Ms Bester, who is employed in a bar and has been unable to work due to hospitality industry closures.

“I’ve been keeping my eye on all the announcements to let me know when I can go back to work.”

Other restrictions eased on Monday included funerals, now allowing 20 people to attend instead of 10.

Breast screening services have resumed, while TasTAFE campuses and training facilities opened to small groups of students attending practical learning and assessment sessions.

From next Monday, restaurants and cafes will be able to open to diners, but no more than 10 people can be seated at once. Libraries, playgrounds, swimming pools and community and local government facilities will also be able to open from May 18, with the same 10-person limit applying.

Between May 25 and June 9, school students will return to learning in normal school settings, and horse racing will resume on June 13.

Bars, nightclubs and casinos will not resume until at least July 13.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney at the daily COVID-19 update. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said restrictions would not be eased prematurely.

“We will continue to ensure that Tasmanians are as protected as possible, and that restrictions are cautiously lifted in a careful and strategic way,’’ she said.

Labor leader Rebecca White said the staged easing of restrictions was important for public health, but said gathering limits would mean many businesses could not be initially profitable