Saturday, May 09, 2020

COVID-19 / Australia / 9th May Update

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday announced the details of a three-stage plan to wind back coronavirus restrictions in Australia.
It is, however, up to the individual state and territory governments to implement this in their own time and as appropriate to their local situation*.
There is currently no plan to reintroduce international travel outside of New Zealand.
 
Colourised pic of human cell (green) invaded by the virus (yellow)

STEP ONE
COVID safe reopening commences with physical distancing & hygiene.
Up to 5 visitors to your home.
Gatherings of up to 10 outside of home.
Work from home if it works for you and your employer.
Libraries, community centres playgrounds and boot camps open.
Australians can do more: 

· Shopping
· Restaurants and cafés
· Home sales & auctions
· Local playground
· Outdoors boot camps
· Local and regional travel

STEP TWO
Most business reopen with physical distancing & hygiene.
Gatherings of up to 20 outside of home.
Work from home if it works for you and your employer.
Australians can do even more in gatherings of up to 20:
· Gyms
· Beauty therapists
· Cinemas, theatres or amusement parks
· Galleries and museums
· Some interstate travel

STEP THREE
All Australians return to work with physical distancing and hygiene.
Gatherings up to 100
Return to workplace
Consider cross-Tasman, Pacific Island travel and international student travel
Australians can do even more in gatherings of up to 100:
· Food Courts
· Saunas and bathhouses
· All interstate travel

Despite a few new clusters in some states, our figures are still looking reasonable.

As stated previously, we won’t be going ‘extra social’ any time soon. We shall wait to see what the new restrictions bring. Some are fearing a spike in cases. 
One of our neighbours had a visit from the police the other night (unannounced gun cabinet security visit) who said there are seven cases in town all doing mandatory self isolation. They are all a result of the Ruby Princess. The cops visit the houses every day to make sure they are conforming.
*Update: 10th May
From Friday next NSW residents will be permitted to have outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, visits to a household of up to five people, while cafes and restaurants can seat 10 patrons at any one time.
Children can return to the playground and people can work out on the outdoor gym equipment in parks, but caution is urged. 
Outdoor pools can reopen with restrictions, which are expected to include no change rooms and a cap of 10 people using the pool at one time.
Religious gatherings and places of worship will be allowed up to 10 people, weddings can host up to 10 guests, while funerals can have up to 20 mourners indoors and 30 outdoors.
A ban on regional travel and use of libraries and community centres will be maintained.


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