‘Life’s normal again’: Australians revel as strict restrictions ease

Elated Aussies headed back to pubs and restaurants on Friday for the first time since coronavirus lockdowns closed venues across the country.

While capacity and time limits still applied to those taking advantage of the easing of restrictions, it didn’t stop crowds of people from heading to their local for a long-awaited meal and beverage.

In NSW, up to 10 people were permitted to enjoy a sit-down meal and drink at a time from Friday, while venues in the Northern Territory allowed customers to eat and drink for two hours at a time.

Diners were captured enjoying their first day in months allowed back at their favourite watering holes and restaurants - many pictured celebrating the occasion with friends over a cold frothy.

Venues serving meals and drinks in Queensland were on Saturday permitted to re-open, but with diners capped at 10 people at a time, except for outback pubs where 20 patrons were allowed.

The much anticipated opening of pubs and bars come as states and territories across the country have begun the staged process of allowing residents more freedoms and re-starting the economy.

In Sydney's inner west, Shannah Baichoo was among the first to return to popular Summer Hill bar The Rio, resuming what was once a regular Friday night ritual with her husband.

“It's like a signifier of life becoming normal again. It feels amazing,” Ms Baichoo told AAP.

Victoria

Like NSW, Victorians can have up to five people at their home and enjoy outdoor gatherings with up to 10 people.

Golf, walking groups, fishing and hiking are among the outdoor activities allowed again with a limit of 10 people.

Up to 10 people can attend a religious private worship, in addition to those required to conduct the ceremony, and weddings.

The ten-person limit also applies for outdoor sport and exercise, which individuals must still abide by 1.5 metre spacing, auction houses and community facilities hosting essential public support services or support groups.

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Public parks, playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate parks are closed, unless for exercise, sport or recreation.

Restaurants and cafes are still only open for takeaway and baseline restrictions also remain for bars and casinos.

Camping is not yet allowed, and caravan parks are shut for tourists.

Queensland

Five people are allowed to visit another household in Queensland while 10 people can meet for outdoor gatherings at parks, pools and playgrounds as of Saturday.

Households are allowed to enjoy picnics and go shopping for non-essential items, and students will begin returning to school, starting with kindergarten, prep, and years 1, 11 and 12 back on Monday, while the rest will return on May 25.

Businesses are allowed to reopen this weekend, however there is a limit on 10 patrons at a time.

Queenslanders must remain within 150km of their home, while those in regional or rural towns can travel as far as 500km if there are no confirmed cases in that area.

Bars and gaming facilities will remain closed throughout phase one, but up to 10 people at a time can dine in at restaurants, pubs, licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels.

NSW

From midnight on Thursday, people in NSW could once again enjoy a pub feed with a sneaky beverage of their choosing.

Only 10 people are allowed to dine in an establishment at one time and the rule also applies for cafes and restaurants.

The 10 person rule also applies for places of worship and people must keep maintain social distancing.

Outdoor gatherings of 10 people are also now allowed in NSW.

Tasmania

Tasmanian students will begin returning to school throughout May and June, as limits on visits to aged care homes were eased on Monday.

Funeral restrictions have eased to allow for 20 guests, and from Monday, National Parks and reserves will be open for exercise, but residents must stay within 30km of their homes.

Outdoor gatherings are now permitted to have 10 people.

South Australia

Up to 10 people are allowed to dine at a restaurant or cafe, as long as they are seated outside.

Open homes and auctions are allowed to recommence, and places of worship have opened their doors to 20 people for indoor ceremonies and 30 outdoors.

From June 8, indoor dining at cafes, restaurants and pubs will once again be permitted for up to 20 patrons at a time.

Regional travel in South Australia is once again allowed, and universities and Tafes are permitted to teach face-to-face once again.

Pools are open and outdoor training is allowed to resume, in groups of 10 with social distancing being observed.

Western Australia

Outdoor and indoor gatherings of up to 10 people are allowed with residents able to enjoy picnics, fishing, boating, hiking and camping.

Ten people are allowed to gather in a home, however on May 18 that number will increase to 20 people.

Hospitality businesses have been restricted to takeaway only, however diners can enjoy table service on Monday, with 20 patrons allowed if they follow the one person per four square metre rule.

Patrons will also be required to buy a meal with their alcoholic beverage.

Northern Territory

Pubs along with cafes, restaurants, gyms, beauty salons and places of worship opened from noon on Friday in the Northern Territory.

Indoor activities have a two-hour time limit until June 5, the day the region will move ahead with phase three of easing restrictions.

Restrictions have been relaxed on parks, golf, fishing and swimming. Non-contact sport is also allowed to resume.

The internal border controls restricting access to areas that include indigenous communities will remain in place until June 18 and possibly longer.

ACT

Gatherings of 10 people are now allowed in Australia’s Capital Territory, however residents must still practice social distancing.

From midnight Friday, cafes and restaurants were allowed to reopen with a limit of 10 guests, with the limit on patrons to be increased over the coming months.

This weekend will also mark the reopening of dog parks, outdoor gyms, playgrounds and some national parks are reserves.

Community centres and halls will be able to host gatherings of up to 10 people and libraries will begin to reopen.

with AAP

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