States ease restrictions from today as COVID-19 cases remain low in Australia

Everyday life will be a step closer to normality for many Australians today (,June 1) as some states ease more of their restrictions in response to falling rates of Coronavirus.

The hospitality industry is one sector to benefit from the easing restrictions. Source: AAP

From June 1, residents of Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia will be able to enjoy more freedom than they have in three months.

All four states are moving to Stage Two of the federal government's three step plan to re-open the economy.

In Queensland, measures to relax the lockdown have been brought forward by two weeks which is welcome news for tourism operators whose livelihoods have been decimated by the travel restrictions.

Carolyn and Peter Upton run Backpackers By the Bay in Queensland's Airlie Beach - a gateway for travellers accessing the Whitsunday Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

In 25 years, they say they have never experienced conditions this tough.

Within our local region because of where we're based, 150 kilometres, which had been the restriction, gave us basically no people to capture at all. It didn't even get us to the nearest big city, bigger town. We're now, there's some hope that the domestic market will stay with us.

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Source: SBS

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.

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