Scott Morrison announces three-stage plan to ease restrictions across the country
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has revealed Australia’s three step plan to ease social distancing restrictions, in the effort to help revive the economy and keep infection rates low.
“Today, we move ahead with reopening our economy and our society with a clear plan, and a clear framework, that shows Australians the road ahead,” Mr Morrison said at a media conference in Canberra.
National cabinet has made the decision by listening to the advice given by a panel of medical experts as they devised the three-stage approach.
While states and territories will move ahead at their own pace, the group has agreed on an overarching guide to building a “COVID-safe” economy, said Morrison.
Stage one will allow five visitors at home and 10 people in businesses and public places, it has been announced.
Small restaurants and cafes will begin to reopen, while still sticking to the social distancing measures, and retail shopping can resume.
But chief medical officer Professor Brendan Murphy said some states may hold off on that particular measure.
Our 3 step roadmap to a COVIDSafe Australia with our aim to get through these steps and get Australia working again in July this year.
States and territories will set their own pace and decide the timings for each step.#covidsafe #COVID19Aus #coronavirusaustralia pic.twitter.com/qRGq8SJWZp— Scott Morrison (@ScottMorrisonMP) May 8, 2020
“So, some states don't want to open cafes and restaurants initially, because they feel that their situation, they would prefer to take some time,” Prof Murphy said.
Libraries, community centres, playgrounds and boot camps can open, and people would be permitted to travel locally and regionally.
Morrison said step one would mean: “Golfers back on the green. Lap swimmers back in the pool. Boot catch camps back in the parks. Retail and small cafes and restaurants reopening.
“It will see easing of restrictions for funerals with up to 30 attendees, outdoors, and 10 at weddings.”
People are urged to work from home if possible, for both the employee and employer.
Stage two would allow gatherings of 20 people in their homes, in businesses and in public places, he said, but some states and territories may choose to allow larger groups of people.
Gyms, beauty salons, cinemas, galleries and amusement parks would be allowed to reopen, as would caravan and camping groups.
Some interstate travel would be permitted.
People would still be encouraged to work from home “if it works for you and your employer”.
Stage three would see pubs and nightclubs reopen and allow gatherings of up to 100 people.
Other businesses such as food courts and saunas will also reopen.
And the National Cabinet will consider cross-Tasman and Pacific Island travel, as well as international student travel.
People would be asked to return to work and all interstate travel would resume.
“It's our aspiration as agreed among premiers and chief ministers, in July, we would have moved through these three steps through the country,” Morrison said.
More information about stages two and three will be released depending on the success of stage one.
“We’ll be reviewing progress of our plan every three weeks and making any changes as we need to.
All three stages require everyone to maintain a 1.5-metre distance, good hand hygiene, and the continued use of the COVIDsafe app.