Advertisement

The unlikely activity that counts as 'exercise' under coronavirus restrictions

The NSW premier has condoned an unlikely activity as one of four essential reasons residents are allowed to leave their home under the current coronavirus restrictions.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian revealed on Monday while speaking with 2GB that riding a motorbike was considered a legitimate form of exercise, and police had not fined anyone seen in public riding one.

Host Ben Fordham posed the question to Ms Berejiklian, arguing some people used the vehicle as a means to maintain their mental health, but riders had expressed fear they would be fined if caught.

“Technically... riding a bike is akin to doing exercise,” Ms Berejiklian said.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said riding on a motorbike was considered exercise during the coronavirus restriction.
Gladys Berejiklian said police had not fined anyone out riding their motorbike as the activity was considered exercise. Source: Getty Images

“They (the police) have not booked anyone for riding a motorbike because that is akin to riding an exercise bike, if it’s for the purposes for exercise, even though it’s a stretch.”

The premier said the state government had tried to be as “flexible” as they could when enforcing coronavirus restrictions, all while keeping people “as safe as possible”.

Ms Berejiklian reminded listeners their reasons for leaving the home must be for either exercise, work or education, for care or medical reasons, or to shop for essential items.

“Every month we’ll look at the data... and then what’s really important for us is to capture what that extra freedom has done in terms of the number of cases we have,” she said.

“The key is to making sure the number of cases we get doesn’t outdo our preparedness in the health system.”

NSW residents are only currently allowed on the beach for the purposes of exercise under the strict rules.
NSW residents are only currently allowed on the beach for the purposes of exercise under the strict rules. Source: AAP

On Monday, Western Australia moved to ease restrictions, allowing gatherings of up to 10 people and recreational activities where social distancing can be practiced.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszcuk announced her state would begin easing its restrictions from midnight on Friday, while parks and reserves across the Northern Territory will reopen from this weekend.

Victoria’s restrictions will remain in place until at least May 11, with Ms Berejiklian earlier on Monday saying NSW was staying firm on no restrictions being lifted in the state yet.

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.