Stage Two restrictions ease in Tassie ahead of long weekend

Gyms, beauty salons, pools and playgrounds are among the things reopening across Tasmania ahead of the long weekend. There’s also been major changes to rules around camping, visiting shacks and how far you can travel from home. Here’s everything that’s changing from 3pm Friday >>

TASMANIANS have been given an early mark for good behaviour, with the easing of coronavirus restrictions ahead of the coming long weekend.

Proclaiming “Tasmanians have done a damn good job” in helping flatten the coronavirus curve, Premier Peter Gutwein today announced the state would step down to stage two restrictions from 3pm on Friday.

SEE THE FULL LIST OF STAGE TWO RESTRICTIONS BELOW

People will be allowed to visit their shacks, go boating and camping — and pubs, cafes and restaurants will be able to welcome up to 40 seated guests.

Restrictions on intrastate travel will be lifted and there will be no limits on the number of guests accommodation providers can host for overnight stays.

Up to 20 people will be allowed to attend gyms, boot camps, cinemas, museums, religious gatherings and weddings, and the limit on funerals will be lifted to 50 people.

Community sport and indoor sports can resume with up to 20 participants and beauty, nail and waxing salons, tattooists and tanning studios can reopen.

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An announcement on the number of visitors a household can welcome is expected to be made on Wednesday.

Premier Peter Gutwein speaks at the daily COVID-19 press conference. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Mr Gutwein said the decision to ease restrictions a week early had been made because the state has just four active coronavirus cases and no positive cases for 17 days.

“There is strong confidence it is safe to bring forward stage two and to ease our restrictions,” he said.

“I think it’s just going to be a fantastic opportunity for people to sensibly and responsibly start to enjoy this great state again.

“Over the weekend get out there and enjoy the state but abide by the social distancing rules and importantly exercise common sense.

“Let’s take this next bold step to get the state back on track.

“It’s time to enjoy our shacks again, take out boats out, visit a National Park and enjoy a walk anywhere across the state.”

SEE THE FULL LIST OF STAGE TWO RESTRICTIONS BELOW

He said there was still a risk from the pandemic and people needed to be aware, maintain social distancing, practise hand hygiene and get tested, even if they display only minor symptoms.

Mr Gutwein raised the prospect of a travel bubble proposed for the ACT to also be extended to South Australia, and said further easing of restrictions was likely to happen early.

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Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chief Operating Officer Colleen Reardon welcomed the announcement.

“Businesses around the state will be breathing a massive sigh of relief as a result of this announcement,” Ms Reardon said.

“The Premier has listened to the business community and we are grateful that he has taken on board our call to begin lifting restrictions in line with public health advice.’

Gatherings

Gatherings increase to 20 people at a time for indoor and outdoor, with physical distancing of 1.5m (where practicable) and a maximum of one person per 4 square metres.

Specific changes will apply to:

• use of shacks (overnight stays permitted)
• community and local government facilities
• weddings
• religious ceremonies, private worship and church services, including baptisms
• funerals (50 attendees indoors and outdoors)

Business restrictions

Gatherings of up to 40 patrons for seated table service at cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs (excluding nightclubs) only where sufficient space and settings allow this to occur.

Gatherings at other businesses increase to 20, with the following reopening or subject to changed restrictions:

• accommodation
• camping and caravan parks
• function centres
• open homes and auctions
• cinemas
• museums, galleries and historic sites
• theatres and concert venues
• indoor gyms and sporting venues, including boot camps, dance studios, gymnastics and cheerleading facilities
• health clubs, fitness and wellness centres, including yoga and barre
• beauty and personal care services – including beauty therapy, massage, facials, tanning, waxing, manicure or other nail treatments, ear and body piercing, tattoos, body modification and day spas.

Sport and recreation

• Camping permitted.
• National parks and reserves opening, including campgrounds. The limit on days trips for exercising and travelling to within 30km of your home will no longer apply. Visit the Parks and Wildlife Service website to check which campgrounds will be open and services available this weekend.
• Park exercise equipment and playgrounds open for up to 20 people.
• Outdoor community sport to resume, with up to 20 athletes/personnel (as guided by AIS framework level B for rebooting sport).
• Indoor sport and recreation, including pools with up to 20 (as guided by AIS framework level for rebooting sport). Showers and change rooms remain closed.

Boating

Restrictions on locations for launching recreational boats will be lifted. The limit on launching in your municipality will no longer apply. You will also be permitted to stay overnight on your boat.

Travel and quarantine

• Border controls remain in place. Domestic travellers who are Tasmanian residents can quarantine in their primary residence if it is suitable. Specific conditions apply to residents of King Island, Flinders Island and the Furneaux Group of Islands – see Coming to Tasmania for more information.
• Fly-in fly-out workers may leave quarantine before they complete 14 days if it is to return interstate to their employment.

Vulnerable people

Vulnerable people are encouraged to stay home and protect their health.

Working from home

Working from home is encouraged where possible. Stay home if unwell.