General News
8 May, 2020
PM announces three-step plan to reopen Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a three-step program to ease up on restrictions and restart the economy.
PM announces three-step plan to reopen Australia.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a three-step program to ease up on restrictions and restart the economy.
"Today our focus is on the road back. Today, we have put Australia a position to go forward,” he said.
The PM said that the States would get the final say on what measures might be eased and said more details about steps 2-3 would be released after seeing how step 1 was received and implemented.
Step 1 -: Australians will be allowed to gather in groups of up to ten people
“Step one will enable greater connection with friends and family, allowing gatherings up to 10 people, and five guests in your own home,” Mr Morrison said.
“Golf is back, pools reopened, fitness boot camps allowed in parks.
“Retail and small cafes and restaurants reopened, and interstate recreational travel will be allowed. Funerals can have up to 30 attendees outdoors, and weddings 10.”
Mr Morrison also said step one will see children back in classrooms and in playgrounds in their communities.
Step 2 - Will allow larger size gatherings up to 20 people, including venues such as cinemas, galleries, amusement parks and more retail openings.
The PM also said that step 2 may allow the ease on restrictions on organised community and children's sport, gyms and beauty parlours.
There could also be the resumption of some interstate travel.
Step 3 – Will be aimed at opening up the rest of the economy and allowing gatherings up to 100 people.
"This (step) will become clearer as we move through the first two steps," Mr Morrison said. "But most workers, by then, will be back in the workplace."
Most interstate travel will likely resume, Pubs and clubs with some restrictions will be open and possibly gaming venues."
The PM said “there will be more definition to the final 2 steps in the future”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy said the plan would help re-open the economy in a COVID safe way.
"I know I said it already today, but please, keep that distancing," he said.
