What you can and can't do during the coronavirus lockdown
Coronavirus live blog: Latest news and updates about the crisis in Australia
Confused about what’s open and what’s not during the coronavirus chaos? Here’s an explainer of all the latest COVID-19 measures, as of Tuesday March 24
The Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, has announced a range of new measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus. In a late night press conference on Tuesday March 24, he listed which businesses can remain open, which have to shut their doors, and which can still trade, but with strict measures in place. It was...confusing, to say the least.
But we’ve got your back – here’s a list of all the services affected by Stage 2 of the Corona shut-down, and what you CAN and CAN’T do.
Coronavirus rules for hairdressers
Want a quick freshen up? Under new rules, hairdressers can continue to trade, but visits were going to be restricted to 30 minutes in duration. However as of Thursday the government lifted those restrictions, and salons will now only have a limit on the number of patrons and be required to enforce the four square metre rule per person.
Social distancing parametres must be maintained. “It is very important to strictly manage the social distancing and limitations of the number of people in their premises, so that’s four square metres per person,” Morrison explained.
Coronavirus rules for beauty therapists
Unfortunately, all beauty therapists will be forced to cease trading. Time for some home maintenance! Tattoo parlours are also shut – don’t try THAT one at home!
Coronavirus rules for massages
That 45 minute shiatsu massage will have to wait – all massage parlours are closed. That goes for the other kind of “massage” too – yep, “strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues” closed their doors on Midnight Wednesday.
Coronavirus rules for physios
In a measure that’s being questioned by some, the government has announced that physios, and all “health related services,” can still continue to practice.
Coronavirus rules for gyms
Time to start searching the net for free online workouts! Gyms across the country are now closed. There is no word yet on when they will reopen. These rules also extend to “health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses, wellness centres and swimming pools.”
Coronavirus rules for pools
All pools and public bathhouses are now closed.
Coronavirus rules for bootcamps
If getting screamed at by a personal trainer is your thing – good news! Bootcamps are still permitted to go ahead, albeit with some restrictions. “Bootcamps and personal training can be conducted outdoors with no more than 10 people and social distancing observed.”
Coronavirus rules for weddings
I...don’t? Weddings can still go ahead, but with very strict conditions.
“Weddings can be conducted with no more than five people, including the couple, the celebrant and the witnesses. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed,” Morrison said.
Coronavirus rules for funerals
In news that will be extremely distressing for many, funerals will now have restrictions placed upon them. “Funerals must be limited to no more than 10 people. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed,” said Morrison.
Coronavirus rules for hotels
This is being assessed by each individual state. “Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast, campsites, caravan parks and boarding houses will be a decision for each state and territory,” Morrison announced on Tuesday evening.
Coronavirus rules for markets
Indoor and outdoor markets (excluding food markets) will shut their doors. States and territories will make their own announcements about individual food markets.
Coronavirus rules for gaming and gambling venues
Are now closed.
Coronavirus rules for community spaces
Are closed. This includes “community facilities such as community halls, libraries and youth centres, RSL and PCYC.”
Coronavirus rules for art galleries
Art galleries, museums and cultural spaces will be closed from Midnight Wednesday. These measures will include “community facilities such as community halls, libraries and youth centres, RSL and PCYC.
Coronavirus rules for play centres
Indoor and outdoor play centres are closed. Amusement parks will also be closed. Zoos have already shut their doors.
Coronavirus rules for auctions
All auctions and open houses will be cancelled. Auction houses will also shut their doors.
Coronavirus rules for supermarkets
Will remain open, but shopping centre food courts will CLOSE except for where they are offering take-away.
For more on these current restrictions, visit www.health.gov.au
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