Lucky
Last night the PM announced more severe isolation restrictions to crack down on the spread of COVID-19 in Australia.
At the time of writing this, the Australian Government has confirmed 2136 cases of COVID-19 – this number, while only a small fraction of our population, has soared exponentially since the beginning of March, when we only had seven confirmed cases, as per the ABC. Right now, we’re on an alarmingly similar growth trajectory as countries like Italy and Spain, so these measures will be essential in flattening the curve and stopping the fast spread of this infectious disease, which has already taken a reported 18,605 lives worldwide. While we wish it could go without saying (writing) – this is very serious, and it’s scary. How we all act now could mean the difference between life or death for so many.
Now, to the latest restrictions put in place by ScoMo last night, of which it is illegal to not follow. We’re going to pop the updates in list-form for you all so it’s clear and easy to understand what is and isn’t allowed from now on.
The businesses that will ‘not be allowed to continue’ are…
- Amusement parks and arcades
- Indoor and outdoor play centres
- Community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres
- Public swimming pools
- Galleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centres
- Auction houses
- Real estate auctions and open house inspections
- Food courts within shopping centres will only be able to sell takeaway, but shopping centres will remain open
beauty parlours to be closed
And probably the one that might be the hardest for a lot of us: the Govt closure of all in-store beauty therapy treatments from today onwards. That means tanning and waxing places, nail salons, tattoo parlours, spa and massage venues (excluding health related stuff like physiotherapy) must shut up shop from today. There's no indication on when they will open again.
... except hairdressers
Bizarrely, hairdressers are still allowed to be open for right now – but people who want to get their hair done can only be in the salon for 30 minutes max (no highlights, then?) and hairdressers and their patrons must enforce strict social distancing rules; though how people can even do this when they are literally touching each others' heads, we have no idea.
there are strict restrictions on weddings and funerals from here on out
Weddings can go ahead, only five people can now attend the event (including celebrants) and everyone must maintain social distancing rules. Funerals are restricted to just 10 people, which is a devastating blow for families and friends who want to give their loved ones a proper send-off. We're thinking of them.
You can still see your PT
Personal training outdoors is also allowed to continue, but is limited to a max no. of 10 people per session. Everyone in the group should maintain social distancing rules.
stay at home, says PM
Probably the most important takeaway from last night was this: stay at home.
Stay at home unless it’s absolutely necessary that you go out. Going out for the basics, going out for exercise, perhaps with your partner or family members, provided it’s a small group – that’s fine, but going outside and going out and participating more broadly in the community, unless you’re shopping for basics or there are medical needs or you’re providing care or support to another individual in another place, going to work and where you cannot work from home. – Scott Morrison
Stay safe everyone, and please follow these new Govt rules. If you would like more info on all of the above, head to the ABC for more. You can find out everything about the new travel ban barring Aussies from leaving the country here.
If your head is a little scrambled, make sure you pop over to WHO.int to get all of your official COVID-19 updates.
Main Image Credit: Under licence from Getty
