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With Australia’s pandemic curve seemingly being flattened, some states have begun easing lockdown restrictions. The situation does, however, remain fluid and regulations will still be repealed or implemented as circumstances change.
NSW, the most populous state with some of the harshest lockdown laws in the country, announced a notable easing on Tuesday 28 April.
From this Friday, 1 May, two adults and their children will be able to visit another person’s home. While any such visit should be for ‘care’ reasons, it is understood that this can mean visiting friends as this would be beneficial for mental health.
A person can, in their own home, receive any number of visitors on a given day. However, they are restricted to no more than two adult visitors at any one time.
Any gatherings in public places are still limited to no more than two people at any one time.
The state’s premier, Gladys Berejilklian, is also encouraging retailers to open and for people to go shopping, providing appropriate physical distancing is maintained.
NSW has announced no further changes and residents are still required to stay in their homes unless they have a reasonable excuse for being out and about. Included in the term ‘reasonable excuse’ are (among others): doing exercise, medical reasons, caring for someone, shopping for food and other items, travelling for education or work that cannot be done at home, accessing government services, or moving to a new home.
Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also announced the easing of certain restrictions. Residents of the Sunshine State can now enjoy picnics and go for weekend drives. From this Saturday, 2 May, they will also be allowed to visit the newly reopened national parks.
In addition, Queenslanders can also begin shopping for non-essential items.
In Western Australia there has been a significant easing of the state’s lockdown laws. Residents can now leave home for recreational activities such as picnics, fishing, boating or camping.
The maximum number of people who can attend a wedding has been increased from five to 10. Similarly, the public gathering limit has risen from two people to 10.
According to the WA government, drones will be among the measures used to break up gatherings and monitor beaches and other social hotspots. They will also use loudspeakers to broadcast messages about social distancing rules.
Note to readers: Lockdown restrictions are changing constantly and are both long and complex. We will be working to update you as frequently and fully as possible. But please check with your own state authorities in order to ensure you are compliant.