Australian states in no hurry to re-open from May 11

CANBERRA, May 9, 2020, 9News. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has unveiled the National Cabinet’s three-stage plan to reopen Australia, economically and recreationally, from the COVID-19 lockdown, 9News reported.

Although all states and territories across the country will share the same path back to some semblance of “normality”, each jurisdiction will determine its own pace.

So, who’s leading and who’s lagging in the push to get Australians back to work and back together?

New South Wales

Premier Gladys Berejiklian has not yet made an official announcement on when the state will enter Stage One.

The premier this week said current restrictions would not be eased for NSW residents ahead of Mother’s Day on Sunday, but life could return to something resembling normal by late June.

People gather for a drink at an outdoor bar in Stockholm, Sweden.

Ms Berejiklian said NSW would “have its own timetable” within the National Cabinet’s framework, and would analyse any eased restrictions before implementing them.

The NSW government has already committed to resuming some face-to-face learning in schools on May 11 and flagged an uptick in retail activity.

Victoria

Nothing changes for Victoria today, Saturday or Sunday.

Premier Daniel Andrews has announced that he will provide an update on rules and restrictions for the rest of May, on Monday.

Queensland

From next Saturday, May 16, Queenslanders will be allowed to dine in at restaurants, pubs and cafes as the state enacts ‘Step One’ of the federal government’s COVID-19 roadmap.

Queensland will be one of the first states to move ahead with the national easing of restrictions that have forced people to stay inside and limited their interactions with other people.

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 will be allowed.

South Australia

After just one new case in the past fortnight, South Australia is pressing ahead with restrictions to begin easing from Monday, May 11.

Sports clubs have already been planning to resume training and some retail stores have re-opened, with dining and regional travel on the table after Mother’s Day.

The state government has also proposed June 8 for the start of stage two, but that will depend on people continuing to abide by social distancing rules.

ACT

Canberrans will be permitted to gather in groups of 10 in time for Mother’s Day, but social distancing must be maintained.

That change will come in from midnight tonight, along with increases to funeral and wedding attendee limits.

Announcements will be made on pubs, cafes and restaurants in coming weeks.

Western Australia

Australia’s biggest state will announce its road forward on Sunday.

One item on the list is likely to be the state’s regional travel restrictions.

WA has already increased its gathering limit to 10, and permits recreational activities such as picnics and fishing.

Tasmania

Tasmania will increase attendees at funerals and permit aged care centre visits from Monday, May 11, while people will also be able to access local national parks.

From May 18, outdoor gathering limits will increase to 10, while people will be permitted five visitors.

Primary school students and Year 11 and 12 students will return to class from May 25, with other high school students following from June 9.

Premier Peter Gutwein said the state would then look to move into stage two from June 15.

Northern Territory

The NT has already entered stage one of its recovery, permitting outdoor gatherings, non-contact outdoor sport, fishing, and open house inspections and auctions.

Stage two will begin next Friday on May 15.

This will permit restaurants, clubs and bars to open back up, along with beauty parlours, masseuses, indoor religious gatherings, libraries, museums and outdoor sports training.

People undertaking such activities, however, are subject to a two-hour limit.

That time limit is set to disappear on June 5, when the NT hits stage three.

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