Google searches show coronavirus question lovelorn Australians are confused by
There are plenty of rules about what you can and can’t do these days due to the outbreak of coronavirus.
As of Sunday, you can’t have a public gathering or more than two people. You also can’t leave your home in NSW unless it’s for one of 16 reasons.
But during self-isolation - are you able to leave your home to visit your boyfriend or girlfriend who lives elsewhere?
In the past 24 hours, it’s been one of the most Googled questions in Australia. Along with people wanting to know if they can visit their parents or go fishing during the coronavirus outbreak, “Can I visit my boyfriend during coronavirus Australia?” also made the top five virus questions Aussies plugged into Google in the past day.
But the answer depends on where you live.
Can I visit my partner in Victoria?
In Victoria, the stance was a hard no earlier this week.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Lisa Neville was asked about it on Twitter.
“You cannot visit your partner for social reasons,” Ms Neville said Tuesday.
Among Victoria’s acceptable reasons for stepping out the front door include exercise, to shop for food or other necessary items, during an emergency, or to access medical supplies and provide care for someone else.
However, pardon the pun, but it seems Victoria has had a change of heart on Wednesday.
Victorian Chief Health Officer Professor Brett Sutton tweeted on Wednesday afternoon the state “has no desire” to penalise anyone leaving their home to visit their partner or significant other.
“We’ll be making an exemption,” he said, to clarify things.
“Hope that helps.”
I’m a NSW resident – can I go over to my partner’s home?
It’s OK to visit your partner or have them over in NSW.
NSW Police Commissioner Mike Fuller told reporters on Wednesday that it’s fine as it falls under care.
“Mental health is under care,” he said.
“Absolutely, under care. I think we have to look after each other, but don't take the whole family with you. Don't take your grandparents.”
Commissioner Fuller was referring to the fact that NSW residents can leave the home to issue care or “personal care” to someone else.
Fortunately a sneaky cuddle with a lover counts as care, police say.
However those who do not stick to the rules in NSW could face fines of up to $11,000 and a maximum of six months in jail.
In Queensland can partners visit during the coronavirus outbreak?
In the sunshine state you can’t leave your home to visit your partner unless you’re married.
Under Queensland’s home confinement decision, which was released on Sunday, you can only leave your home to visit a member of “immediate family” for care or support.
The state also has other reasons which include to go grocery shopping or perform exercise.
The rules about visiting partners in Western Australia
It’s not clear if you can or can’t visit your partner in WA under current coronavirus restrictions.
However, if your partner lives in a different part of the state to you, for example you live in the Pilbara and they live in Kimberley, then you won’t be able to.
The government introduced rules at midnight Tuesday to prevent people from travelling between different regions.
There are some exemptions such as if someone in a certain region doesn’t have access to groceries or for employment or to cater for family members.
One of the other exemptions is catering for family members so if you’re married then it’s obviously fine.
Tasmania, South Australia and the Northern Territory
Tasmanians, South Australians and people living in the NT are allowed to visit their partners.
NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner told reporters on Wednesday he won’t be standing in the way of an favourite Australian pastime.
“I support love in the time of corona,” he said.
Hard to argue with that.
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