Here’s What’s Actually Staying Open In Australia During The Coronavirus Lockdown
On Sunday, Scott Morrison announced stage one of a nationwide shutdown to enforce social distancing and slow the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.
The new restrictions in Australia will be in place from midday on Monday, March 23. Australians should expect them to be in place for at least six months, but they will be reviewed monthly.
[related_articles]83296[/related_articles]In the press conference, Morrison said social distancing is our biggest weapon in fighting this virus, and that anyone who ignores these restrictions “will put people at risk and make it extremely difficult for governments to be able to take actions that can control the flow and spread of this virus.”
The following non-essential services will be closed:
- Pubs, registered and licences clubs and licenced premises in hotels (excluding accommodation)
- Entertainment venues, cinemas, casinos, and night clubs
- Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and home delivery
- Gyms and indoor sporting venues
- Places of worship
- Funerals and “things of that nature” cannot take place in enclosed spaces and must follow the 1 person per 4 square metre rule
These measures also apply to outdoor spaces associated with these venues.
This is in addition to existing restrictions, including bans on all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside and 100 people inside, all non-essential travel, and restrictions on entering aged care homes.
What is open during the Australia coronavirus shutdown?
Morrison said “the only ones that can’t remain open and provide those services are the ones I’ve listed to you. Only those ones.”
That means things like shopping centres, hospitals, banks, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, and bottle shops will remain open.
Home delivery services will continue to run.
Can I leave my home?
Yes, Australians can still leave their homes during the coronavirus shutdown.
However, you should only do so when necessary, like buying groceries or seeking medical attention. Where possible, keep 1.5 metres between yourself and other people, whether they show symptoms or not.
And, of course, keep washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water and avoid touching your face.
(Lead image: Mike Petrucci / Unsplash)
