At the time of writing, more than 2300 cases of COVID-19 have now been confirmed in Australia, with 1029 in New South Wales, 466 in Victoria, 397 in Queensland, 175 in Western Australia, 170 in South Australia, 39 in the Australian Capital Territory, 36 in Tasmania and 6 in the Northern Territory. Eight deaths have been reported.
In an effort to stop the spread, the Australian government has put a variety of new bans and restrictions in place for the country, changing life as we know it.
“People will be urged to stay home unless it is “absolutely necessary you go out. Going out for the basics, going out for an exercise, perhaps with your partner or family members, provided it’s a small group, that’s fine.” Says the Prime Minister.
“But going outside and going out and participating more broadly in the community, unless you’re shopping for basics or there are medical needs or you’re providing care and support to an individual at another place.”
From midnight on Wednesday March 25, 2020, the following restrictions are in place.
Social gatherings
- House parties, barbecues and birthday parties are banned
- Weddings are restricted to 5 people: the couple, celebrant and witnesses, social distancing must be observed
- Funerals are restricted to 10 people or less, social distancing must be observed
- Religious gatherings and places of worship must adhere to the 1 person per 4-square-metres rule
- Personal training is limited to a maximum of 10 people
- Social, sporting-based activities, swimming pools
Travel
- Australians are banned from international travel
- Non-essential domestic travel is now banned
- Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, campsites, caravan parks, and boarding houses will be a decision for each state and territory
Other banned activities/services include:
- Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo parlours
- Amusement parks and arcades
- Indoor and outdoor play centres
- Hairdressers will be subject to social distancing rules with 30-minute-max. appointments
- Community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres, boot camps
- Libraries
- Brothels, massage parlours and sex on premises services
- Galleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centres, non-essential facilities, community facilities such as halls and PCYCs
- Food courts in shopping centres will closed but takeaway can continue
- Auction houses and open inspections
- Outdoor and indoor markets will be addressed specifically in individual states and territories
- Cafes limited to takeaway, as announced on Sunday
- Cinemas, nightclubs, casinos, gambling venues, adult entertainment venues, concert venues, stadiums as previously announced.
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