After months of living with strict coronavirus restrictions, Australia’s low rates of new infections mean that many states will take steps to relax the rules from June 1.
A lot will change, so here is a state-by-state guide of what you’ll be able to do all around the country.
What will change in NSW from June 1
June 1 will be a “big step” towards easing coronavirus stage two restrictions and kickstarting the state’s economy, according to Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
After many complaints from those in the beauty industry that they should fall under the same rules as hairdressers,
who have remained open during the pandemic, NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard announced earlier this week
that beauty salons, nail bars, tanning salons, spas and tattoo parlours will all be able to open from June 1.
A maximum of 10 people are allowed in a salon at all times and they must adhere to the four square metre rule.
There should be no magazines in waiting rooms.
Intrastate travel, and holidays will be allowed within NSW.
All recreational trips across the state will be allowed, as long as people follow social distancing and good hygiene, Ms Berejiklian said.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro advised calling planned accommodation venues and attractions to ensure they will be open before travelling, especially camp sites, caravan parks and NSW National Parks.
Museums, galleries, libraries, zoos, aquariums and other cultural institutions will also be allowed to open again, as long as visitors apply appropriate social distancing.
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It’s likely you’ll have to book ahead for most of these attractions too.
The easing of travel restrictions means there will be a NSW ski season this year.
However, Mr Barilaro warned “ski resorts will likely need time to put COVID plans into place and you should make contact before visiting”.
As of June 1, the pubs, cafes and restaurants in NSW will have the most relaxed social distancing restrictions in the country, apart from the Northern Territory.
Venues will be allowed to welcome 50 people, but patrons will not be allowed to stand up, mingle or dance,
and must stay four square metres away from each other.
Before entering a venue, people will have to leave their name and phone number so they can be contacted by health authorities in case there is a COVID-19 outbreak.
Bookings will be limited to 10 people, and there will be no buffets or share plates available.
Changes in Victoria from June 1
Coronavirus restrictions haven’t eased as much in Victoria as in many states yet; so when June 1 rolls around,
a lot more things will be opening up, bringing them in to line with most other states.
However, Premier Daniel Andrew warned that there is a “long and extensive set of rules” which people must abide by in order to keep coronavirus infections under control.
Restaurants, pubs, cafes and bars will be allowed to serve 20 patrons, who are sitting 1.5m apart from each other.
Alcohol will only be served with meals, and table service only is allowed.
Patrons must leave their name and phone number for contact tracing if necessary.
“On June 22, three weeks later, they can be increased to 50, and in July, so three or four weeks after, we will look to move to 100 patrons in a closed space,” Mr Andrews said.
Playgrounds and skateparks will reopen on June 1, as well as indoor and outdoor swimming pools, with a maximum of three people per lane, and 20 people in a pool at one time.
Outdoor sport will be allowed for 20 people.
Gyms, indoor sports centres and fitness centres will be allowed to hold 20 people from June 22; who must stay four square metres apart.
Intrastate travel, including stays at hotels; motels; camping; and caravan parks and other accommodation,
will be permitted. However communal bathrooms and kitchens can’t be used.
South Australia’s new rules from June 1
South Australia’s Premier Steven Marshall has brought forward the lifting of stage 2 restrictions from June 5 to June 1.
As they have had just one new coronavirus case in the state since April 22.
“These great results give us confidence to gradually and carefully lift the restrictions; and get us back to normality,” he said.
Beauty treatments in nail salons, beauty salons, tattoo and massage parlours can reopen.
As long as clients stay four square metres apart from each other.
Pubs, cafes and restaurants will be allowed 20 people in small venues; and 80 people in larger venues as long as they are in different rooms or areas.
Alcohol will be served without a meal; but only when patrons are seated.
