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Coronavirus: The Aussie state relaxing strict stay-at-home restrictions

One Australian state will ease stay-at-home restrictions due to residents “doing a great job of listening and following the directions” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

On Sunday, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced some “good news” for the state, in addition to reporting they had only three additional confirmed cases of coronavirus overnight.

“Because we have done such a terrific job of flattening the curve, in discussions with the health officer, from next Friday, we will be able to lift some of the stay-at-home restrictions,” she said.

Queensland will relax coronavirus restrictions, allowing for people to enjoy some recreational activities late next week. Source: Getty
Queensland will relax coronavirus restrictions, allowing for people to enjoy some recreational activities late next week. Source: Getty

“This is a small step and one that we really need the public to 100 per cent cooperate with because if we do see mass gatherings, I will not hesitate to clamp back down.”

Ms Palaszczuk said from Friday, Queenslanders will be free to indulge in some recreational activities outside of the home from midnight on Friday.

Queenslanders will be able to go for a drive after the restrictions are relaxed, however, Ms Palaszczuk advised people aged over 65 do this during the week only, as it may be busier on weekends.

Members of the same household would be able to enjoy a picnic, Ms Palaszczuk added, or if you live alone you will be able to have a picnic with one other person.

Queenslanders can also treat themselves to a new pair of shoes or shirt.

“You will be able to go shopping for non-essential items, like clothes and shoes,” the premier said, but warned people should not spend hours at the shops.

National parks will also reopen, however toilets will be closed.

“We're not through this yet and I hope that these measures will give some relief to families,” she said.

Outings will still be limited to members of a household, and Ms Palaszczuk said she did not want to see groups of friends meeting in public.

‘Three key conditions’

There are some conditions Queenslanders will have to follow under the relaxed restrictions.

Ms Palaszczuk said good hygiene and social distancing must still be practised.

“This social distancing is absolutely paramount,” she said.

Although people can get in their car and pack lunch for a picnic, there will be a clear limit on how far people can travel to do so.

“We have to stay within 50 kilometres of our homes,” she said.

“We have been saying to people stay in your suburbs, your village, but what we do not want to see is large-scale movements of people.”

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there are still conditions people have to abide by to enjoy the relaxed restrictions. Source: Getty Images
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said there are still conditions people have to abide by to enjoy the relaxed restrictions. Source: Getty Images

This means even with national parks reopening, if one is not within 50 kilometres of your home, you should not go there.

“I know these sound like strict rules,” she said.

“But we are in different times and I'm trying to be flexible and listen to what the public is saying.”

Ms Palaszczuk added the conditions will be taken on advice from the health officer.

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