Scott Morrison outlines three-stage plan to reopen Australia by July after coronavirus crisis

The government has announced a three-step plan for Australia to loosen COVID-19 restrictions. States and territories will implement these measures at different speeds across Australia.

Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference following a national cabinet meeting on Friday. Source: Getty

The Australian government has announced a three-step plan to gradually remove baseline restrictions and make Australia COVID-safe.

States and territories will move between the steps at different times, in line with their public health situation and local conditions.

For each of the major areas of restrictions the Australian government has set out three key steps:

 

• Step 1 will focus on carefully reopening the economy, and giving Australians opportunities to return to work and social activities, including gatherings of up to 10 people, up to 5 visitors in the family home and some local and regional travel. 

• Step 2 builds on this with gatherings of up to 20, and more businesses reopening, including gyms, beauty services and entertainment venues like galleries and cinemas. 

• Step 3 will see a transition to COVID safe ways of living and working, with gatherings of up to 100 people permitted. Arrangements under step 3 will be the ‘new normal’ while the virus remains a threat. International travel and mass gatherings over 100 people will remain restricted.

The government insists each of the three steps needs to be underpinned by Australian's commitment to:

• stay 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever we can
• maintain good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene
• stay home when we’re unwell, and getting tested if we have respiratory symptoms or a fever,
• download the COVIDSafe app so we can find the virus quickly, and
• Develop COVID safe plans for workplaces and plans.

Source: Federal government

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• People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
• Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
• The Federal Government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
• SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus