How New South Wales and Victoria Are Easing Coronavirus Restrictions

Get ready to go back to school. 

Last week, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison revealed the federal government's three-stage plan to guide the country out of coronavirus shutdowns. 

Mr Morrison highlighted that he hoped to get Australia working again by July this year.

It was welcome news, especially considering we haven't been able to watch any new releases in cinemas, dine-in at our favourite restaurant, or catch up with a large group of friends. 

However, the coronavirus pandemic has impacted states and territories differently, which means not all states/territories are in the same position to peel back restrictions.

For example, COVID-19 infections in Western Australia have flattened in recent weeks, enabling WA Premier Mark McGowan to relax restrictions earlier than other states.

Now, states with higher numbers of confirmed cases like New South Wales and Victoria are beginning to ease restrictions as well.

New South Wales 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has announced that from Friday 15 May, outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people will be permitted and people can have five visitors at any one time. Plus, cafes and restaurants will also be allowed to open up, as long as they only have up to 10 people dining in at a time.

Weddings will be allowed to have up to 10 guests, while funerals can have up to 20 mourners indoors or 30 outdoors. Religious gatherings can have up to 10 worshippers, and outdoor pools are opening with restrictions.

As for schools: NSW students will return to classrooms one day a week as the state relaxes restrictions. Attendance will increase over the course of the term, with the state government working towards a full-scale return by Term 3.

If you live in NSW, it must feel good to finally be able to hang out with a bunch of your mates again. In saying that, it's important you're still practicing social distancing and sticking to good hygiene routines. 

In the event you start having mild symptoms, you should go and get tested. 

Victoria

For those in Victoria, restrictions will be eased from Wednesday 13 May. While people were previously only allowed to leave the house for food and supplies, medical care, exercise and work or education, from Wednesday you'll also be able to visit friends and family.

Premier Daniel Andrews announced up to five guests are allowed in homes, and Victorians can also go fishing, hiking, play golf and join walking groups. Although, social distancing still needs to be maintained.

Weddings will be able to have 10 guests, and up to 20 people can attend an indoor funeral, while up to 30 people can attend funerals held outdoors.

Up to 10 people will be allowed to join private religious gatherings, but cafes and restaurants are still limited to takeaway orders until June.

As for students, if you're in Grade 1 or 2, or Year 11 or 12, you'll be heading back to school on 26 May. Students in all other year levels will return to classroms on 9 June.

Well, it looks like you'll be waving goodbye to your Zoom classes sooner than you thought.

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