The Territory’s chief minister has announced his speedy timeline on how and when restrictions will be lifted.
In an incredible step forward, Northern Territory chief minister Michael Gunner announced a three-step plan to lifting all coronavirus restrictions by June – which could also provide a look into the future for Perth.
It comes as just three active coronavirus cases are left in the Northern Territory and there have been no new cases in three weeks.
Meanwhile, another Territory has announced it now has zero active cases.
The ACT today reported no new COVID-19 cases for the first time in two months.
The progress in the two jurisdictions has given a glimmer of hope that a return to normality for the country could, in the Prime Minister’s words, not be “too far away”.
Gunner’s first stage of lifting restrictions
From noon tomorrow, national parks will be re-opened, along with pools, waterparks and non-contact sports.
It means fishermen will be able to go out with friends again, with the cap on weddings and funerals will be lifted.
“Please maintain social distancing and don’t gather in large groups,” Mr Gunner said.
“Our rangers will be monitoring our parks and they’ll have police on hand to help them.”
Restaurants, cafes and bars re-open for dine-in by next month
On May 15, take away will no longer be the only option for customers, who will be allowed to dine in again at their favourite pubs and eateries.
Beauty salons, gyms, yoga and pilates studios will also be allowed to re-open, as will museums and galleries.
However, some limitations will remain in place, including a two hour limit on all such activities.
“For businesses and organisations that open or expand operations under these rules, they will need to have a COVID-19 management plan in place,” Mr Gunner said
“This will be a simple checklist to show how your venue can adhere to physical distancing, hygiene and cleaning principles.”
Pubs will also only be allowed to serve drinks with a meal.
“May 15 date night; June 5 Sunday sesh,” Mr Gunner said.
Nightclubs to open up by June 5, time limits to lift
The final businesses to re-open will do so on June 5.
This will include nightclubs, casinos and cinemas.
Contact sport will also be allowed to resume.
But when things would fully return to normal, Mr Gunner would not say.
“I do not have an answer as to when everything will get back to where it was before” he said.
He remained stalwart on borders, which he confirmed would remain closed during this period.
“Opening the borders will happen dead last, I do not want the second wave to come,” he said.
Restrictions not planning to be put back in place, as Gunner outlines “test, trace and trap” strategy
While he could not confirm what Australia would face in coming months, Mr Gunner said a new coronavirus case in the NT would not be met with putting in place restrictions but a quick response instead.
The motto being used is to “test, trace and trap”, measures hoped to be effective as the borders remain shut and the case load hoped to stay low.
“We have one of the most vulnerable populations in the world — and we must do whatever it takes to protect them,” Mr Gunner wrote on his Facebook page.
More coronavirus coverage on SoPerth.com.au:
- Scott Morrison says the COVIDSafe app is our “ticket out” of restrictions
- Perth To Join Race For A Cure
- The “most important figure” in Australia’s coronavirus tracking so far
- International travel restrictions will not be looked at for another four months
- Perth coronavirus updates
Feature image: @the_travelling_publican
