Australians across a number of states and territories have enjoyed a taste of normality during the first weekend of eased COVID-19 restrictions.
Prompted by declining COVID-19 figures, some state governments decided to ease restrictions ahead of schedule. Additional state police will be deployed to ensure residents are following social distancing rules that remain.
Northern Territory
Restrictions will be lifted at Recreational grounds and national parks. Northern Territory Police have applauded the behavior of Territorians following the ease of virus restrictions. A total of 115 compliance checks were conducted by police across NT. Despite eased restrictions, police increased visibility in public spaces.“We’re happy to say those attending these areas have been well behaved and following physical distancing,” said Incident Controller Acting Commander Shaun Gill.
Northern Territory (NT) was the first to lift major restrictions after recording zero deaths. The NT went 25 consecutive days without new virus cases until May 3 when two people tested positive for the CCP virus.
Popular sites such as Howard Springs Nature Park and Litchfield National Park reopened attracting high numbers of people.
Queensland
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk eased travel restrictions allowing residents to travel up to 50 kilometers from their homes for recreational purposes. A considerable amount of Queenslanders were present in parks and beaches, and along hiking tracks.The Gold Coast was one of the busiest areas, where police were called out to intervene at a number of house parties. Seven men were handed police infringement notices (PIN) of $1,334 (US$853) at one party, and a further 18 at another.
Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said he was frustrated at the disregard for restrictions.
“It’s especially disappointing considering the vast majority of Gold Coast residents [were] doing the right thing and following the rules in line with the easing of restrictions across the weekend,” he said.
Queensland Police issued more than 140 fines over the weekend, with police commissioner Katarina Carroll labeling some beachgoers’ behavior “disappointing.”
New South Wales
Despite New South Wales experiencing the highest amount of CCP virus cases, the state lifted restrictions on May 1, allowing families (consisting of two adults and their children) to visit other households for the first time in weeks. Bondi beach extended its opening period from Monday to Friday, to include weekends.NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said she was so far pleased with how the state’s residents had followed the eased restrictions.
Australian Capital Territory
In the Australian Capital Territory restrictions were lifted allowing people to enjoy small dinner parties and two families were allowed under one roof for the first time.Chief Minister Andrew Barr also said residents could enjoy non-essential shopping if they kept up good hygiene and social distancing practices.
Western Australia
Outdoor activities in WA edged closer to normality with restrictions eased on fishing, camping, and hiking, as well as boot camps, and picnics. The state has increased social gathering limits from 2 to 10 people.South Australia
Border patrol checks will be lifted in South Australia allowing interstate travel. The state has 438 confirmed cases, and 428 have recovered.Tasmania
On May 4, Tasmania will lift restrictions on non-essential retail in the north-west region, where a significant outbreak was reported on April 13. Two-thirds of all the island’s cases have come from the north-west cluster. Of the state’s 221 confirmed cases so far, 158 people have recovered.Victoria
Victoria has opted for a blitz of testing before lifting any restrictions. As of May 3, around 55,000 Victorians have been tested for the COVID-19 disease. It is reported that 13,000 were tested on May 3 alone.The total number of national cases is 6,801, with 86 percent recovering and 1.4 percent dying (as of May 3).
