State-by-state guide to new restrictions this weekend

One week after the Australian Government unveiled its ‘roadmap to recovery’, Aussie states and territories have relaxed restrictions meaning this weekend residents have some newfound freedoms to enjoy.

While the federal government has outlined the framework, it is up to states and territories to make changes as they see fit, meaning the easing of restrictions differs depending on where you live. Here’s what you need to know.

NSW

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

However there is a catch, only ten people are allowed to dine in an establishment at one time and the rule also applies for cafes and restaurants.

The ten person rule also applies for places of worship, which were also closed in March to help stop the spread of the coronavirus – and people must keep their distance.

Pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and places of worship are now able to welcome up to 10 people inside their doors under an easing of NSW's COVID-19 restrictions. Source: AAP
Pubs, clubs, cafes, restaurants, and places of worship are now able to welcome up to 10 people inside their doors under an easing of NSW's COVID-19 restrictions. Source: AAP

While some Catholic churches across the state reopened on Friday for small-scale masses, like Sydney’s St Mary’s Cathedral, other faiths are taking a different approach with a large number of Jewish synagogues, Islamic mosques, Sydney's Anglican diocese and the NSW/ACT Uniting Church all deciding to keep their doors closed.

While places of worship closed their doors, many turned to online platforms for perform services.

Outdoor gatherings of ten people are now allowed in NSW.

Ms Berejiklian on Friday warned NSW residents a major uptick in COVID-19 cases was likely, but no cause for concern unless case numbers grew exponentially.

Victoria

Victoria, which saw anti-lockdown protestors over the weekend, eased restrictions on Tuesday.

Premier Daniel Andrews previously referred to the Prime Minister’s framework as “kind of menu” from which he would choose which restrictions to wind back.

Like NSW, Victorian can have up to five people over at their home and enjoy outdoor gatherings with up to ten people.

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

 Victoria has eased coronavirus social distancing measures today by allowing fishing as a legal activity during the coronavirus pandemic. Source: AAP
Victoria has eased coronavirus social distancing measures today by allowing fishing as a legal activity during the coronavirus pandemic. Source: AAP

Religious private worship is allowed with up to 10 people in addition to those required to conduct the ceremony and weddings are also allowed to host 10 people.

The ten-person limit applies for outdoor sport and exercise, which individuals must still abide by 1.5 metre spacing, auction houses can also have 10 people, same goes with community facilities hosting essential public support services or support groups.

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

However, restaurants and cafes still only open for takeaway, 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 May 16.

Queensland relaxed restrictions ahead of the government’s framework, allowing for households to enjoy picnics and go shopping for non-essential items.

Queensland will take a gradual return to school 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 ten customers or patrons at a time.

Nail salons, for example, will be allowed to operate with 10 people inside the premises, however, no walk-ins, all appointments must be pre-booked and must take people’s names and details and have a “COVID-safe” plan in place.

Queenslanders are allowed to have a recreational day trip, however they 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 in the first phase of a staged easing of the state's lockdown, but up to 10 people at a time can dine in at restaurants, pubs, licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels.

Outback pubs and clubs are allowed up to 20 people.

Tasmania

The island state is taking the cautious route out of restrictions, announcing a three-step plan after the federal government’s.

It is taking a staggered approach to students returning to school for students across May and June.

Limits on visits to aged care homes were eased on Monday, as was the restrictions at funeral which now allow for 20 mourners.

From next Monday, National Parks and reserves will be open for exercise, however residents are allowed to only travel within 30km of their homes.

Outdoor gatherings are now permitted to have 10 people.

Border restrictions imposed by the state are still expected to be in place when stage three of the plan begins in mid-July.

"Our pathway back will be gradual, it will be careful," Premier Peter Gutwein said, adding that any changes to restrictions are dependent on public health advice.

"We will continue to march to the beat of our own drum. If we find that we cannot move, then we won't."

South Australia

South Australia is considering allowing businesses to reopen in time for the June long weekend, however that is yet to be confirmed.

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.

No new cases were reported on Friday, leaving the state's total at 439. While one person remains in hospital, they are no longer infectious, meaning South Australia has no active COVID-19 cases.

Cafes are now allowed to serve coffee and food outside with the eased Covid-19 restrictions in Adelaide. Source: AAP
Cafes are now allowed to serve coffee and food outside with the eased Covid-19 restrictions in Adelaide. Source: AAP

Debate also continued on Friday over the plan to lift more restrictions across the state on June 8 when indoor dining at cafes, restaurants and pubs will once again be permitted for up to 20 patrons at a time.

Business groups have been lobbying for the date to be brought forward by three days to allow outlets to take advantage of the long-weekend.

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 ten and social distancing being observed.

Western Australia

Western Australians are being encouraged to return to work and further restrictions will be eased after the weekend.

Currently, the state has outdoor and indoor gatherings of up to 10 people allowed with residents able to enjoy picnics, fishing, boating, hiking and camping.

As of now, 10 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 metres rule.

On Monday, coronavirus restrictions are to be eased in Western Australia with public gatherings of up to 20 people allowed and dine-in meals permitted in venues under strict conditions. Source: AAP
On Monday, coronavirus restrictions are to be eased in Western Australia with public gatherings of up to 20 people allowed and dine-in meals permitted in venues under strict conditions. Source: AAP

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

Businesses that reopen will have to prepare COVID safety plans outlining how they will meet hygiene and physical distancing requirements.

The final phase three of easing restrictions is tipped to start mid-June in Western Australia.

Northern Territory

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

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

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner said 3000 people would be back in work on Friday and allowing businesses to reopen was about confidence in the midst of an economic crisis.

The territory was ahead of other Australian regions, easing restrictions at the start of this month, starting with the reopening of some national parks.

The Northern Territory has relaxed restrictions 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.

The Territory has had 30 coronavirus cases but no community transmission or deaths.

The Northern Territory has lifted a range of restrictions but social distancing is still required. Source: AAP
The Northern Territory has lifted a range of restrictions but social distancing is still required. Source: AAP

ACT

As of last Friday, gatherings of ten people are now allowed in Australia’s Capital Territory, however residents must still practice social distancing.

From midnight Friday, cafes and restaurants will be allowed to reopen with a limit of ten guests.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr acknowledged the slight easing of coronavirus restrictions would only make economic sense for a small number of businesses.

The limit on patrons will 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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