Life in Australia is unrecognisable compared with two weeks ago after the federal government announced a series of strict measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Australians are confronted with changes to their daily lives at all corners: cafes and restaurants are closed except for takeaways, and there are limits on attendance numbers for weddings and funerals.
Since restrictions on both indoor and outdoor gatherings arrived earlier this month, the limits placed on activity in Australia have grown more stringent.
On Tuesday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced another raft of measures restricting what Australians can and can't do.
We look at what these changes mean for everyday life.
Is Australia in lockdown?
No. These measures are not as severe as those in the UK, parts of Europe, or in China. The federal government has urged Australians to stay at home unless absolutely necessary. However people who are not under enforced self isolation are able to go outside while adhering to social distancing rules.
Can I travel overseas?
No. Previously, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a "do not travel" warning on all overseas travel, which was effectively advice for Australians not to go abroad. As of midday Wednesday March 25, all overseas travel is banned.
Are shopping centres and markets open?
Shopping centres are open, as are most shops. However Australians are urged to only go shopping when necessary, and not to socialise within shopping centres.
It is up to the states and territories to make decisions on whether to close outdoor and indoor food markets.
In the ACT, Fyshwick Fresh Food markets remain open. Canberra's Old Bus Depot markets have closed temporarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
How about food courts?
Stores in food courts will be open for takeaway only.
Are restaurants and cafes open?
Cafes and restaurants remain open for takeaway only. Food can be collected at the store, or delivered to your home.
Home delivery services such as UberEats have begun to do contactless delivery.
If you're wondering which restaurants and cafes remain open despite the government's new measures to stop the virus spreading, look up the website "CBR IS STILL OPEN". It lists restaurants and cafes still open for takeaway in Canberra.
- We're doing daily explainers answering readers' questions. Do you have any questions we can help answer? Email online@canberratimes.com.au
Can I have friends over?
Mr Morrison and others have urged Australians not to invite any friends or extended families over to their homes. This covers both large gatherings and small meetings.
Can I get a haircut?
Under new restrictions, hairdressers and barbers remain open. Initially, there was going to be a 30-minute restriction on appointments but that was lifted on Thursday morning. Now, "the 4sqm rule per person must be strictly observed within the premises and that personal contact during the patron's visit should be minimised wherever possible".
What about nail salons, tanning, waxing, spas, non-medical massage and tattoo parlours?
These services are all closed as of midnight Wednesday, March 25.
Where can I go if I want to stay fit?
Gyms, swimming pools, and other exercise facilities are closed as of midnight Wednesday, March 25. However, Mr Morrison said outdoor organised exercise such as boot camp and personal training can go ahead in groups of no more than 10 people.
Can I still hold a wedding?
Yes. However, only a total of five people can attend: the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses. All individuals present must comply with social distancing restrictions - one person per four square metres, during the ceremony.
Are funerals still allowed?
Only 10 people can be present during a funeral. All individuals present must comply with social distancing requirements. States and territories are able to provide exemptions in "hardship cases ... but only at the margin".
Can I go to the doctor or pharmacist?
Doctors and pharmacists are still open. People are encouraged to call ahead if they have symptoms of illness, instead of physically going to the doctor straight away.
What happens to those who need surgery?
Non-urgent elective surgeries have been cut to free up space in hospitals for COVID-19 patients. The only elective surgeries that will go ahead are category one and urgent category two cases.
Category one surgeries refer to procedures that need to be done within 30 days. Category two surgeries are those recommended to be completed within 90 days.
What about schools?
The federal government has placed no formal restrictions on schools, Mr Morrison said this was based on health advice from Australian Chief Health Officer Brendan Murphy, who said there was no evidence of major transmission between school children. This has been disputed by other medical experts.
While there has been no federal restrictions on schools both the ACT and Victoria have effectively closed schools. In NSW, parents have been encouraged not to send students to school.
Can I get in trouble for breaking these rules?
Yes. States and territories are responsible for the enforcement of these rules and subsequent punishments.
Fines are the most likely punishment and states and territories are still refining legislation around this, including in the ACT.
On Wednesday, the NSW government announced individuals would face an on-the-spot fine of $1000, or $5000 for corporations, if they break a 14-day quarantine. Those breaking rules around indoor gatherings could see each person fined $1000.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
We have removed our paywall from our stories about the coronavirus. This is a rapidly changing situation and we want to make sure our readers are as informed as possible. If you're looking to stay up to date on COVID-19, you can also sign up for our twice-daily digest here. If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.