Coronavirus: What is closed in Australia from today?
Australia’s latest set of restrictions amid the coronavirus pandemic have come into effect across the nation today.
In a fast-changing environment with changes occurring almost daily, many Australians are understandably wondering what exactly they can and cannot do.
On Sunday night, Scott Morrison announced that no more than two people can gather in public as governments seek to slow the spread.
The new two-person limit, which came into effect overnight, does not apply to those who share the same residence, meaning there is no ban on a family of more than two people from going for a walk or gathering in the living room.
It will be up to the individual states and territories whether it is strictly enforced by police.
On Monday, Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said the state would issue fines of $1600 for anyone in breach of the restrictions he is calling Stage Three.
And other states have said they will hand out on-the-spot fines for people not complying.
Residents, especially older generations, are urged to stay at home unless they are working, studying, attending medical appointments or collecting essential supplies.
Playgrounds, skate parks and outdoor gyms in public places are now off limits.
While beaches are allowed to remain open if social distancing restrictions are met, many councils, including those in Sydney, have decided to close beaches for the foreseeable future.
Last week, Mr Morrison announced all residents must partake in social distancing and leave 1.5 metres between themselves and the next person.
He also instructed pubs, registered and licensed clubs and nights, as well as hotels, to close their doors.
What’s closed?
Hotels
Pubs, restaurants (except for takeaway)
Cafes (except for takeaway)
Movie theatres
Shopping centre food courts (except for takeaway)
Gyms, indoor sporting venues
Outdoor sporting venues
All entertainment venues
Playgrounds
Skate parks
Beauty therapies (nails and massages)
Sydney Opera House
Casinos
Museums
Galleries
Places of worship
Auction houses
Tattoo parlours
Libraries
RSL clubs
What will stay open?
Supermarkets
Bottle shops
Petrol stations
Pharmacies
Shopping centres, although retailers across the country have stood down staff and temporarily closed during the crisis
Hairdressers
Convenience stores
Freight and logistics
Home delivery
Banks
Schools (school holidays brought forward in VIC. Some private schools have closed their doors)
Beaches (as long as social distancing rules are applied)
Public transport
‘At least six months’
Mr Morrison said people should only be going to the shops to get the essentials, and going irregularly.
When questioned on why shopping centres are remaining open, he said he will consider items like jigsaw puzzles “essential” over the next six months, saying his wife Jenny went out and bought the family a bunch of them over the weekend.
“I can assure you over the next few months we will consider those jigsaw puzzles absolutely essential,” he said.
“It is important that parents and families and households can get the things that they need to completely change the way they are going to live for the next six months at least.”
He also cited sporting equipment as “essential”.
“I mean people are buying sporting equipment at the moment, game mats and things like that so they can exercise at home. These are things they are going to need,” he said.
“I don't think it is practical when we say for essentials and things that you really need that high-end fashion and these types of things.”
with AAP
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