Premier reveals 'bad news' on easing restrictions for Mother's Day
NSW Premier Gladys Berejkilian has announced there will be no change to current coronavirus restrictions in time for Mother’s Day on Sunday.
As anticipation grows ahead of Friday’s National Cabinet meeting where the federal government is likely to advise a series of changes to current restrictions, Ms Berejiklian warned any decision made on Friday would not immediately be rolled out in NSW.
One of the big changes expected is gathering sizes, with 7News reporting Scott Morrison is likely to expand home restrictions to 10 people.
Ms Berejkilian did speculate life will feel “much more normal” during May, but said such a change on gatherings would not be in effect in time for Mother’s Day.
“Without wanting to be the bearer of bad news, whilst National Cabinet is considering easing some restrictions from Friday in terms of the national guidelines, I doubt that NSW will be in a position to implement anything before Mother's Day,” she said on Thursday morning.
The current restrictions in place in NSW allow for two adults and their dependent children to attend another household of multiple residents.
Ms Berejkilian stressed NSW residents must adhere to these rules over the weekend.
“Everyone will be careful and I think all of us will be able to enjoy Mother's Day much more so than had it happened a month ago,” she said.
She did say however such visits, of two adults and their children, could happen multiple times a day.
Ms Berejkilian announced a state record 10,900 tests were performed in the last 24 hours while three new cases were confirmed, none of which were from community transmission.
Queensland relaxes gathering rules for Mother’s Day
There was different news however delivered in Queensland, with Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announcing gathering restrictions would be eased.
She announced from Sunday, a family of up to five people would be allowed to visit another household.
”This Sunday is Mother's Day and because Queensland has been doing such a great job we will be allowing up to five members to visit a household right across Queensland,” she said.
Chief Health Officer Dr Jeannette Young said such gatherings could not be extended outside of a property to the beach or shopping, for example.
“It's about two households coming together, and we don't think that will increase risk. And we can do that in Queensland because of the great job everyone's been doing,” she said.
The state confirmed a further two cases of coronavirus on Thursday, bringing its total to 1,045 with 50 active cases.
Victoria won’t budge on restrictions
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was his usual robust self on Thursday, ruling out any rule changes for Mother’s Day.
“I have no announcements on restrictions,” he told reporters.
“I can tell you what I will be doing on mother Day, I will not be visiting my mum.”
He reminded the state it was “critically important” people stick to the current restrictions.
“We have to stay the course and we cannot let our frustration get the better of us and then slip.”
The premier was pressed by one reporter asking if he was frustrated with the shift in concern from the public, going from “existential dread” to worrying about Mother’s Day in just a matter of weeks.
“A very good question,” Mr Andrews responded.
“I'm not going to criticise people for wanting to spend time with their mum on Mother's Day. I don't think that would be fair.
“But we've had debates, and debates are fine - there is no problem with people questioning decisions that are made, that's a perfectly healthy thing, but we've had some debates in Victoria that many world leaders wish they were having.
He said New York Governor Andrew Cuomo “wishes he was having a discussion about golf” and warned Victorians any lapse in the state’s response could result in a similar situation witnessed in the US and other badly-hit countries.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.
