In each phase, Australians will be allowed to gather in groups of 10, 20 and 100 people.
AUSTRALIA WILL BEGIN easing its social distancing restrictions to reopen the country’s economy by summer.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Friday that the country will implement a three-step plan to “get Australia working again” by July after restrictions were put in place amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Australia banned public gatherings and non-essential travel as part of a series of social distancing restrictions in March. Health officials report more than 6,910 cases of COVID-19 in Australia and 97 deaths. However, the outbreak is considered broadly under control.
Morrison proposed a three-step plan to gradually reopen and said states and territories will set their own timeline for each step and Australia’s National Cabinet will review progress every three weeks.
In phase one, “COVID safe reopening commences with physical distancing and hygiene.” Australians will be allowed to have up to five visitors in their homes and participate in gatherings of up to 10 people outside their homes. Libraries, community centers and playgrounds will reopen and residents will be able to shop and travel regionally and locally.
In phase two, most businesses can reopen with physical distancing and hygiene. People will be permitted to gather in groups of up to 20 people outside their homes. Gyms, movie theaters, amusement parks, galleries and museums and salons will reopen and some interstate travel will be permitted.
In the third and final phase, people will be allowed to gather in groups of up to 100 people and return to their workplaces. Food courts, saunas and bathhouses will reopen and all interstate travel will be allowed. Some international travel will be permitted.
Also in the third phase, states and territories may allow larger gatherings under certain circumstances.
Globally, health officials report more than 3.86 million cases of the coronavirus and 270,020 deaths.