After more than a month of stay-at-home orders and strict rules around social distancing, some states and territories in Australia are easing their coronavirus restrictions.

As the coronavirus threat is at different levels around the nation, some states are keeping their restrictions in place whereas one state is winding back its measures.

Here are the things the Australian government says you can and can’t do.

Northern Territory (NT)

Northern Territory is relaxing its coronavirus restrictions, as there have been no recorded cases for over three weeks. The restrictions easing from Friday at noon are:

  • No 10 person limit guideline for outdoor activities, which means that NT residents are able to fish, camp and play non-contact sport
  • No limit on wedding and funeral attendances as long as social distancing is adhered to
  • Playgrounds are open for the first time in weeks

Western Australia (WA)

Western Australia has followed the Northern Territory’s lead with the easing of the 10-person limit rule, so small groups are able to meet outdoors. The restrictions eased earlier this week. You will be able to:

  • Meet with small groups as the 10-person limit has been eased
  • Exercise in groups as long as social distancing is maintained
  • Go fishing, golfing, camping or hiking

However, dining in is still banned as well as gyms, outdoor gym equipment, playgrounds and skateparks remaining closed.

Queensland (QLD)

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has announced that some stay-at-home restrcitions for Queenslanders will be lifted, much to the delight of residents. From Saturday, Queenslanders are able to:

  • Leave their homes for recreation
  • Travel a distance of up to 50kms away from their homes
  • Shop for non-essential items, have a picnic, visit a national park

Social distancing measures are still firm in place and outings are limited to members of the same household or one individual and one friend.

New South Wales (NSW)

As NSW was the state worst hit by coronavirus cases, it was a surprise that the state was the first to announce the social distancing restrictions would ease.

The new rules are:

  • People are allowed to visit friends in their homes
  • Groups of two adults and their children are able to visit other households for social gatherings
  • Bondi, Bronte and Tamarama beaches are open but can only be accessed by locals

The NSW Government said that the new changes were made to improve mental health and reduce social isolation, with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian acknowledging that there’s “risks” in easing the restrictions.

“Don’t take risks. We don’t want to see the numbers suddenly spike up because people are being irresponsible,” Ms Berejiklian said.

South Australia (SA)

South Australia has not announced any formal easing of restrictions as the state hit 8 days with no COVID-19 cases on Thursday.

Beaches were never shut in this state, but social distancing is enforced, and fines have been issued to those found breaching regulations.

There has been no move made to relax the rules on social gatherings, which remain capped at 10 people maintaining appropriate distances. Wineries, breweries and cellar doors are also able to operate takeaway services as restrictions were eased earlier in the month.

Victoria (VIC)

Stage-three restrictions are likely to stay in place until the state of emergency can be lifted on May 11. Premier Daniel Andrews said that he wanted 100,000 people tested for COVID-19 over two weeks before making any decisions on relaxing the restrictions.

The two person limit is still being enforced, which means that social visits with friends are off the cards.

Victorians are being told that if they can stay home, they must stay home, with shopping for food, medical care, exercise or work or education being the only four reasons you should be leaving your house.

Tasmania (TAS)

Premier Peter Gutwein told Tasmanians that easing the coronavirus restrictions would have to wait and flagged that any relaxation in measures would start with parks, reserves and recreational spaces.

He has not given a timeline but said that the state-wide restrictions will be reviewed in the lead up to May 15.

“I am hopeful that in coming weeks the advice from Public Health will be that we can begin loosening some restrictions, however this will only occur if the health risk is low,” Mr Gutwein said.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)      

ACT is coronavirus free and became the first Australian jurisdiction to neutralise COVID-19 by reaching no active cases. The state has no formalised plan to wind back restrictions, and the territory is hyperaware of easing restrictions in case an influx of people come visiting from NSW.

“Were we to reopen bars and restaurants, but they remained closed in NSW, then we would get quite an influx of people into the territory and that would lead to an increased risk,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said.

Instead, Barr said that the most likely early easing of restrictions would be the restrictions around public gatherings, going from a maximum of two people back up to 10.