Government announces three step plan to ease Coronavirus restrictions

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THE Federal Government have announced today a three step process for easing Coronavirus restrictions, with all stages expected to be completed by July. The National Cabinet will review each stage every three weeks.

Step one includes:

• Restaurants, cafes and shopping re-opening with social distancing in place.
• Gatherings in public places of up to 10 people, and five guests in your own home.
• Recreational activities such as golf, lap swimming and boot camps, playgrounds.
• Local and regional recreational travel.
• An easing of restrictions for funerals with up to 30 attendees, outdoors, and 10 at weddings.

After three weeks these measures will be reviewed and if health experts agree, step two will come into play. Step two will include:

• Larger size gatherings up to 20 people
• This will include opening for venues such as cinemas, beauty parlous and galleries
• More retail openings on sector based COVID safe plans

Prime Minister Scott Morrison emphasised that moving into stage three will depend on the success of the two previous steps. The final stage of the plan will include:

• Pubs, clubs, bars and nightclubs re-opening with COVIDSafe measures in place.
• Gathering sizes increased to 100
• Return to workplace

In a statement released today, Wollongong City Council said while it is aware of the National Cabinet’s process for easing the restrictions, there is currently no change to restrictions in the NSW Public Health Orders.

“The existing NSW Public Health Orders and restrictions remain in place and we ask everyone in our community to continue to adhere to them,” A Council spokesperson said.

“This includes the current social and physical distancing measures, as well as the closure of our playgrounds, pools and leisure centres.”

The Council said it will continue to be guided by the NSW State Government and will respond to any updated advice.

“We are currently reviewing our plans of how and when we might roll out changes to amended services.

“Our considerations include the practical application of any updated NSW Public Health Orders, and focus on ensuring the health, safety and well-being of our staff and volunteers, their families and our community. We share details of any changes when they occur on our website and through social media.

“We thank everyone for continuing to work together to protect the vulnerable in our community at this challenging time.”