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All your back-to-the-pub questions answered as Tassie COVID-19 restrictions ease

AS OF 3pm today, many of Tasmania’s most notable COVID-19 restrictions will ease.

Happy campers can head to the shack, those wishing to pray can congregate in greater numbers and gyms and beauty salons will open once more.

And most importantly, thirsty punters can once again head to the pub in droves. Well, 40 per venue.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW >>

What time can I go to the pub?

The State Government has mandated pubs can serve up to 40 patrons, seated, from 3pm today.

Whether the pub is open yet, or you’re allowed to knock off work is a different matter.

Is my favourite pub open?

See our story 25+ pubs you can grab a beer for Friday knock-off, or alternatively pick up the phone or check social media.

Bartender at the Twisted Lime, Jocelyn Greenwell is excited to be back at work today. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Bartender at the Twisted Lime, Jocelyn Greenwell is excited to be back at work today. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Can I hit the dance floor after a few pints?

You can’t just yet. Restrictions have been eased on businesses including cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs, excluding nightclubs.

Businesses can have up to 40 patrons seated, not ideal for a nightclub or having a boogie.

Just remember — the RSL is okay, Obar is not.

Can I have a cheeky pash with a stranger while out drinking for the first time in months?

Social distancing rules are still in place, meaning a minimum space of 1.5m must be between you and other people that aren’t from your household.

If you need to be facing another person and closer than 1.5m apart, the Government is advising you to “minimise contact to less than 15 minutes”.

Take out of that what you will.

What else can I do if I don’t want to go to the pub?

For those not that interested in knocking back beers, there’s plenty of other options for activities now.

You can get your nails done, or you can hit the gym!

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.

EVERYTHING YOU’RE ALLOWED TO DO AGAIN THIS LONG WEEKEND

Brothers Max, 9 and Mitch Tew, 8 are excited to be heading to their shack this weekend as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Tasmania. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN
Brothers Max, 9 and Mitch Tew, 8 are excited to be heading to their shack this weekend as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Tasmania. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

I still don’t like those things – what else can I do?

Well, you’re definitely being fussy now, but there is plenty more you can do.

Camping and recreational activities are back on, see our list of top spots to avoid the crowds this weekend.

That means:

  • 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.

Can I have some mates over?

Definitely! You can have up to 10 people over, practising social distancing of 1.5m where practical.

What about watching a game of footy?

TSL matches are expected to kick off again on July 17, but in a different format to usual.

SEE THE FULL DETAILS HERE

Diver Dane Jones of Lenah Valley is happy to be heading back out to snag a few scallops. Picture: Zak Simmonds
Diver Dane Jones of Lenah Valley is happy to be heading back out to snag a few scallops. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Can I take the boat out or wet a line?

You sure can. 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.

You can even go catch some big scallops – apparently they’re overgrown.

Okay, that all sounds pretty good, but what about leaving Tasmania?

In the coming months keen Tasmanians may soon be able to travel to the ACT and South Australia.

Premier Peter Gutwein has been in talks with both states trying to organise a ‘mini travel bubble’.

SEE THE FULL DETAILS HERE

It may only be a matter of weeks until Tasmanians are able to travel interstate, to the ACT and South Australia. Picture: David Clark
It may only be a matter of weeks until Tasmanians are able to travel interstate, to the ACT and South Australia. Picture: David Clark

What if I feel unwell?

Please don’t head out anywhere. Call the Tasmanian coronavirus hotline straight away on 1800 671 738 and organise testing.

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/tasmania/in-depth/all-your-backtothepub-questions-answered-as-tassie-covid19-restrictions-ease/news-story/1ce6e15f833f316599767f1eb6459791