The Prime Minister of Australia has sent a message loud and clear to those thinking of leaving their houses during this Easter long weekend: “Stay home”.
Each state has their own social distancing measure in place and it can be hard to decipher which police department is responsible for what we are and aren’t allowed to do.
In NSW, police say “visiting family/friends over the Easter break to socialise is NOT a reasonable excuse.” No friends are allowed over either, but are allowed to meet in public for exercise only if they can maintain a safe 1.5 metre distance from each other.
Sadly, while many usually spend the Easter break to catch up with loved ones, the new measures put in place forbid any social visits unless it is caring for a family member at their home.
In Queensland, social distancing measures are a little looser in regards to visiting friends; it is still permitted people keep a safe distance away from each other and only have gatherings of a maximum of two people.
This rule, as stated by the state’s premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, includes visiting family members as well, however the reason must be for “compassionate and social support,” such as mental health issues, a death or family violence.
Victoria is one of the strictest states in the entire country and has declared that social visits are strictly forbidden in most circumstances. Two people are allowed to meet in a public setting for exercise, only if they maintain a safe distance.
South Australia and the Northern Territory have the least strict rules in place, and maintain that friends are permitted to visit each other and interact but it is highly encouraged to keep the number of guests limited.
SA’s guidelines strongly discourage groups larger than two meeting, and have a ban on friends or family joining together if there are more than ten people.
Tasmania has similar rules to NSW in that people should not meet under any circumstances, except for reasons that fall under “compassionate and social support,” such as mental health issues, a death or family violence.
Driving for leisure is not permitted in all states and territories, unless it is for an emergency or you are out for an essential reason.
The 1.5 metre does not apply in a vehicle.
Victoria police say driving lessons for L platers will not be allowed to continue to take place for the time being.
All states and territories have placed a temporary ban on using recreational areas – so the simple pleasure of going for a picnic is not allowed.
All churches have been closed and most services are being live streamed.
Travelling is strongly discouraged and the Australian government’s website reads that “shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education” are the only reasons people are allowed to leave the house.
No set distance has been placed on residents to show how far they are allowed to travel outside of their homes and cities, but people have been told they can cross their city but do not go “for miles” outside of the city.
