Restrictions easing: NSW sets the date to begin 'step one' out of lockdown
Cafes and restaurants will be allowed to re-open for up to 10 patrons and five people will be able to visit another person's home under an anticipated easing of coronavirus restrictions in NSW.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian is expected to announce the changes on Sunday to come into play on Friday, a full week after Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed a three-stage plan to ease lockdown measures across Australia.
It's up to individual states and territories to decide when they act.
Currently, two adults from the same household, along with their dependent children, can visit another home in NSW under the existing COVID-19 restrictions.
"The changes will allow NSW to fire up the economy, while allowing more personal freedoms," Ms Berejiklian told The Sunday Telegraph.
The new relaxing of restrictions to be announced by the premier will also allow 10 guests at weddings, 20 people at indoor funerals, and 30 at outdoor funerals, The Sunday Telegraph reported.
Religious gatherings and places of worship can also welcome up to 10 people.
Outdoor equipments including gyms and playgrounds can be used with caution, with people encouraged to sanitise the equipment, and swimming in outdoor pools will be allowed.
However travel to regional NSW is still off the table.
It comes as NSW's health minister says the best people can give their mums when visiting on Mother's Day is to keep them safe by maintaining social distance.
Brad Hazzard has implored people to take care when visiting their loved ones on Sunday during the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
"Keep your mum safe," the minister said on Saturday.
"When you go to visit your mum, do what we have asked you to, which is to keep that social distance.
"I know it's really tough ... to not be able to hug or kiss your mum but it would be the wisest course."
Mr Hazzard said people could visit and enjoy their mother's company from a safe distance. But, of course, anyone feeling ill should stay at home, he added.
"No vaccine means we are still vulnerable and we need vigilance."
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Mr Hazzard on Saturday stressed NSW eateries couldn't reopen for table service just yet.
"No-one should be sitting at a table or chair in NSW - it's pretty simple," he said.
"Right now there is no relaxation (of the state rules)."
"People are just bursting at the seams to get back, but I'd say be careful in what you wish for, because while that virus is still among us we are all vulnerable."
Five NSW cases of COVID-19 were announced on Saturday including one person who was exposed overseas and two from known close contacts.
The other two cases are still under investigation.
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