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| Social distancing rules explained: Australia's current state by state coronavirus guidelines | Social distancing rules explained: Australia's current state by state coronavirus guidelines |
| (8 days later) | |
| Several states have already started relaxing physical distancing laws, while others are holding firm. Find out what’s illegal and what happens if you break the law | |
| Since the pandemic was declared all Australian states have gone into various levels of lockdown. | Since the pandemic was declared all Australian states have gone into various levels of lockdown. |
| Now that the country is cautiously optimistic that the curve has been flattened, the big question is how and when we will come out of isolation? | Now that the country is cautiously optimistic that the curve has been flattened, the big question is how and when we will come out of isolation? |
| On Friday 8 May, the federal government announced a three-stage plan to ease coronavirus restrictions across the country, with the goal of reaching stage three by July. Ultimately, though, it is up to each state and territory to decide when and how far they would be relaxing restrictions in the coming months. | |
| Several states and territories, including Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory have already announced their plans, while others are holding firm. | |
| So what are the laws as they currently stand? | So what are the laws as they currently stand? |
| These are the laws as of Friday 8 May. This article will be updated as new restrictions are implemented or repealed. | |
| Queensland | Queensland |
| On May 8, premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced Queensland’s roadmap to easing coronavirus restrictions, in line with the federal government’s three-step plan. | |
| From Saturday 16 May, under stage one, gatherings of up to five people will be allowed in homes, and gatherings of up to 10 people in other places. People will be allowed to take day trips up to 150km within their region, while those in rural Australia will be allowed to travel 500km within the outback. | |
| Weddings will be allowed ten guests, and funerals 20 guests indoors and 30 outdoors. | |
| Beauty salons will open back up, and pubs and cafes in regional or rural areas with no cases will be able to seat up to 20 people. Open homes will also be allowed. | |
| The second stage of relaxing restrictions will start on 12 June, and see gatherings of up to 20 people; indoor cinemas, entertainment venues and amusement parks reopening; and greater recreational travel distances allowed. | |
| Stage three will start on 10 July. While details are “subject to further planning and review”, intrastate and interstate travel will be permitted, and a maximum of 100 people allowed to gather in homes, public spaces, and other venues including cinemas, places of worship, and restaurants. | |
| Queensland was one of the first states to announce an easing of restrictions. | Queensland was one of the first states to announce an easing of restrictions. |
| Previously residents were only allowed out of their home for one of eight essential – reasons including obtaining essential goods or services, receiving medical attention or caring for family members. | Previously residents were only allowed out of their home for one of eight essential – reasons including obtaining essential goods or services, receiving medical attention or caring for family members. |
| However, on Saturday 25 April premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that Queenslanders would be able to shop for non-essential items from Friday 1 May. Picnics and weekend drives are now allowed, and national parks will reopen. | |
| However, residents must not travel further than 50km from their homes, and the “two-person rule” is still in effect. | However, residents must not travel further than 50km from their homes, and the “two-person rule” is still in effect. |
| This means if someone leaves their house they can be joined by only one other person or the members of their household, and physical distancing requirements must still be observed. | This means if someone leaves their house they can be joined by only one other person or the members of their household, and physical distancing requirements must still be observed. |
| In early April Palaszczuk said that the inside the home a household was allowed two additional guests. | In early April Palaszczuk said that the inside the home a household was allowed two additional guests. |
| Palaszczuk said this amendment was intended to help families who may not all live in the same home to stay connected. She also clarified that those who live alone are allowed two social guests. | |
| From Sunday May 10, Mother’s Day, households of up to five adults will be allowed to visit another home. The 50km distance rule for travel will no longer apply. | |
| Queensland police officers are still able to issue on-the-spot fines of $1,334.50 for individuals and $6,672.50 for corporations who breach these laws. The maximum penalties available through the courts are 10 times those amounts. | Queensland police officers are still able to issue on-the-spot fines of $1,334.50 for individuals and $6,672.50 for corporations who breach these laws. The maximum penalties available through the courts are 10 times those amounts. |
| From 3 April, Queensland’s borders were closed to everyone except residents and essential workers, including freight carriers and emergency workers. This includes erecting barriers in the Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta, which straddles both Queensland and NSW. | From 3 April, Queensland’s borders were closed to everyone except residents and essential workers, including freight carriers and emergency workers. This includes erecting barriers in the Gold Coast suburb of Coolangatta, which straddles both Queensland and NSW. |
| These border restrictions remain in place. | These border restrictions remain in place. |
| There are some exemptions for those who regularly cross the Queensland-NSW border for work. | There are some exemptions for those who regularly cross the Queensland-NSW border for work. |
| New South Wales | New South Wales |
| NSW had some of the strictest lockdown laws in the country, and was among the first state governments to ease some restrictions on 28 April. | |
| But Premier Gladys Berejiklian said after National Cabinet on 8 May that, unlike in other states and territories, “there will be no further change to restrictions in NSW this week”. | |
| Berejiklian said that “the NSW Government has already eased a number of restrictions listed under the first stage of the plan”. | |
| From Friday 1 May, visitor rules were changed to allow two adults to visit another person’s home. | |
| These visits must be for “care” reasons, however, the NSW definition or care will be significantly broadened. A spokesperson from the premier’s office told Guardian Australia that visiting friends would be considered beneficial for mental health and would, therefore, constitute “care”. | |
| There are no limits on how many guests someone is allowed per day as long as there are no more than two adults at a time. There is no limit on how far someone can travel to visit another household under this rule. | |
| Berejilklian has also encouraged retail stores to open and NSW residents to shop as long as physically distancing can be maintained. | |
| While the number of people allowed in a home has been increased the two-person gathering limit remains in place when in public spaces. | While the number of people allowed in a home has been increased the two-person gathering limit remains in place when in public spaces. |
| Other than these changes, residents are still required to stay in their homes unless they have a “reasonable excuse” for leaving. | Other than these changes, residents are still required to stay in their homes unless they have a “reasonable excuse” for leaving. |
| “Reasonable excuses” are broadly categorised as: | “Reasonable excuses” are broadly categorised as: |
| Obtaining food or other goods and services | Obtaining food or other goods and services |
| Travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home | Travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home |
| Exercise | Exercise |
| Medical or caring reasons | Medical or caring reasons |
| The full list of reasonable excuses can be found here. | The full list of reasonable excuses can be found here. |
| Movement is also allowed for the purpose of moving into a new home or inspecting a potential new home, providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person or in an emergency, and undertaking legal obligations, accessing government services, or donating blood. Exemptions also exist for priests or members of religious orders, and where someone is escaping potential injury, illness or harm. | Movement is also allowed for the purpose of moving into a new home or inspecting a potential new home, providing care or assistance to a vulnerable person or in an emergency, and undertaking legal obligations, accessing government services, or donating blood. Exemptions also exist for priests or members of religious orders, and where someone is escaping potential injury, illness or harm. |
| People who are learning to drive can continue to learn to drive and get their hours logged. | People who are learning to drive can continue to learn to drive and get their hours logged. |
| Children who live across two households can continue to switch between houses. | Children who live across two households can continue to switch between houses. |
| Police have been out on the streets enforcing these rules. | Police have been out on the streets enforcing these rules. |
| The laws allow for fines of up to $11,000 or six months’ imprisonment for those who leave the home without a reasonable excuse, plus an additional $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Fines for businesses are higher still. | The laws allow for fines of up to $11,000 or six months’ imprisonment for those who leave the home without a reasonable excuse, plus an additional $5,500 fine each day the offence continues. Fines for businesses are higher still. |
| It has been left to police officers’ discretion who will receive a fine, however all fines are reviewed personally by Fuller. | It has been left to police officers’ discretion who will receive a fine, however all fines are reviewed personally by Fuller. |
| Victoria | Victoria |
| On 8 May, after the National Cabinet met to discuss easing coronavirus restrictions, Andrews said changes would not be announced for Victoria until the following Monday. | |
| While there has been a suggestion that the strict physical distancing laws in Victoria would be reviewed in May, the state remains in lockdown. | While there has been a suggestion that the strict physical distancing laws in Victoria would be reviewed in May, the state remains in lockdown. |
| On Tuesday 28 April Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters the situation was “fragile” and he didn’t want to ease up restrictions too early and then be forced to bring them back in. | On Tuesday 28 April Premier Daniel Andrews told reporters the situation was “fragile” and he didn’t want to ease up restrictions too early and then be forced to bring them back in. |
| Currently, residents can only leave the house for one of five essential reasons. These are: | Currently, residents can only leave the house for one of five essential reasons. These are: |
| Shopping for food or other essential goods and services | Shopping for food or other essential goods and services |
| Work and education | Work and education |
| Care and compassionate reasons | Care and compassionate reasons |
| Exercise | Exercise |
| Other extenuating circumstances | Other extenuating circumstances |
| A full breakdown of these reasons can be found here. | A full breakdown of these reasons can be found here. |
| The two-person gathering rules apply inside and outside the home. This rule exempts people who live in the same household, whether this be a family unit or roommates. | The two-person gathering rules apply inside and outside the home. This rule exempts people who live in the same household, whether this be a family unit or roommates. |
| Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Brett Sutton, tweeted that exemptions would be made for visiting romantic partners. | Victoria’s chief health officer, Dr Brett Sutton, tweeted that exemptions would be made for visiting romantic partners. |
| Police officers are responsible for deciding who will receive penalties. They may ask individuals to prove why they are out of the home or prove a group are members of the same household, but deputy commissioner Shane Patton said officers would use “common sense” and were experienced in knowing who was being truthful. | Police officers are responsible for deciding who will receive penalties. They may ask individuals to prove why they are out of the home or prove a group are members of the same household, but deputy commissioner Shane Patton said officers would use “common sense” and were experienced in knowing who was being truthful. |
| Victorians cannot visit family members who do not live with them, but may drop off food and supplies for care and compassionate reasons. | Victorians cannot visit family members who do not live with them, but may drop off food and supplies for care and compassionate reasons. |
| Children who may need to move between the houses of their parents or carers are also allowed to travel, and court-ordered visitation rights for parents can also be upheld. | Children who may need to move between the houses of their parents or carers are also allowed to travel, and court-ordered visitation rights for parents can also be upheld. |
| Penalties include on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses. Larger fines and even the possibility of criminal charges are also available. | Penalties include on-the-spot fines of up to $1,652 for individuals and $9,913 for businesses. Larger fines and even the possibility of criminal charges are also available. |
| Tasmania | Tasmania |
| Tasmanian premier Peter Gutwein announced that from Monday 11 May the government will ease some of its coronavirus restrictions to allow: | |
| 20 people to attend funerals, up from 10 | |
| One aged care visit per week, from none | |
| National parks to reopen for exercise, but only for people who live within 30km | |
| Gutwein also said that from 18 May, Tasmania will move to stage one, which will mean indoor and outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people, up to five visitors to a home, and up to 10 people inside restaurants, cafe and other venues. | |
| The Premier confirmed that the state’s strict border controls will remain in place. | |
| From 25 May, primary school students will return to school, as well as year 11 an 12 students. From 9 June, high school students from year 7 to 10 will also return to school. And from From 15 June, the state will move to stage 2, subject to health advice. | |
| Stage two will kick off on 15 June. | |
| Gatherings will increase to 20 people at a time, both indoor at outdoor. This means that up to 20 people will be able to attend religious gatherings and weddings, and up to 50 people will be allowed to attend a funeral. | |
| Under stage two, people will be able to move around the state, go camping, and stay in overnight boats and holiday shacks. Gyms and bootcamps will open to 20 people, while beauty services including tattoo parlours would also be allowed. | |
| Until then, lockdown measures remain in place in Tasmania as health officials continue to grapple with an outbreak in the north-west. | |
| The island state has adopted similar measures to Victoria and NSW with individuals only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons and gatherings limited to two people. However, there is more scope for exemptions from these rules than in other states. | The island state has adopted similar measures to Victoria and NSW with individuals only allowed to leave their homes for essential reasons and gatherings limited to two people. However, there is more scope for exemptions from these rules than in other states. |
| Reason for Tasmanians to go out in public include: | Reason for Tasmanians to go out in public include: |
| Shopping for supplies | Shopping for supplies |
| Undertaking personal exercise | Undertaking personal exercise |
| Attending medical or healthcare appointments | Attending medical or healthcare appointments |
| Seeking veterinary services | Seeking veterinary services |
| Providing social support or care to another person | Providing social support or care to another person |
| Attending school or study, if unable to be done at home | Attending school or study, if unable to be done at home |
| Attending work or volunteering, if unable to be done at home | Attending work or volunteering, if unable to be done at home |
| Performing essential maintenance or security inspections of other premises owned or occupied by the person | Performing essential maintenance or security inspections of other premises owned or occupied by the person |
| Attending another location if the person has a reasonable excuse in the opinion of the director of public health | Attending another location if the person has a reasonable excuse in the opinion of the director of public health |
| An example of a “reasonable excuse” given by the premier’s office was clearing out a recently deceased relative’s house. | An example of a “reasonable excuse” given by the premier’s office was clearing out a recently deceased relative’s house. |
| Tasmania also restricts gatherings of more than two people inside and outside the home, but they have a broad definition of “social support”. This allows families and couples who live apart to visit one another’s homes. Households are allowed to have two visitors as long as physical distancing requirements can be met. | Tasmania also restricts gatherings of more than two people inside and outside the home, but they have a broad definition of “social support”. This allows families and couples who live apart to visit one another’s homes. Households are allowed to have two visitors as long as physical distancing requirements can be met. |
| However, in public, the two-person gathering limit is strictly applied. | However, in public, the two-person gathering limit is strictly applied. |
| Families are not allowed to visit loved ones in aged care homes. However, this ban will be lifted from midnight Monday May 11. | |
| Australian defence force members, the Tasmanian state emergency service and fire service volunteers have been enlisted to help carry out spot checks. | Australian defence force members, the Tasmanian state emergency service and fire service volunteers have been enlisted to help carry out spot checks. |
| Fines could be as much as $16,800 or six months in jail. | Fines could be as much as $16,800 or six months in jail. |
| Tasmania also requires that all non-essential travellers entering the state quarantine for a period of 14 days. | Tasmania also requires that all non-essential travellers entering the state quarantine for a period of 14 days. |
| Western Australia | Western Australia |
| Western Australian has seen perhaps the most significant easing of lockdown laws, with the state increasing its gathering limits from two people to 10. | Western Australian has seen perhaps the most significant easing of lockdown laws, with the state increasing its gathering limits from two people to 10. |
| Residents are allowed to leave home for recreational activities including picnics, fishing, boating or camping. This also raises the maximum number of people at a wedding from five to 10. | Residents are allowed to leave home for recreational activities including picnics, fishing, boating or camping. This also raises the maximum number of people at a wedding from five to 10. |
| Open houses and display villages will also be allowed to operate, however public playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed, and restaurants and cafes will still be restricted to takeaway and home delivery. | Open houses and display villages will also be allowed to operate, however public playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor gym equipment will remain closed, and restaurants and cafes will still be restricted to takeaway and home delivery. |
| WA’s border restrictions remain in place. These divide the state into nine regions that residents cannot move between without good reason. | WA’s border restrictions remain in place. These divide the state into nine regions that residents cannot move between without good reason. |
| Reasons for crossing include: | Reasons for crossing include: |
| Travelling to work | Travelling to work |
| Attending medical appointments | Attending medical appointments |
| Transporting freight | Transporting freight |
| Accessing groceries or supplies if these are not available in the current region | Accessing groceries or supplies if these are not available in the current region |
| Returning home | Returning home |
| Attending school or other educational institutions | Attending school or other educational institutions |
| Supporting family members where necessary | Supporting family members where necessary |
| Compassionate grounds | Compassionate grounds |
| Officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses who disobey the rules. | Officers can issue on-the-spot fines of $1,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses who disobey the rules. |
| The premier said drones would also be used to break up gatherings, flying over beaches, parks and other likely social hotspots and broadcasting messages about social distancing rules through speakers. | The premier said drones would also be used to break up gatherings, flying over beaches, parks and other likely social hotspots and broadcasting messages about social distancing rules through speakers. |
| WA maintains a hard closure of its state boarder. As of midnight on 6 April only “exempt travellers” have been allowed in. This includes WA residents. | WA maintains a hard closure of its state boarder. As of midnight on 6 April only “exempt travellers” have been allowed in. This includes WA residents. |
| A list of “exempt travellers” can be found here, and includes senior government officials, military personal and a range of essential workers. | A list of “exempt travellers” can be found here, and includes senior government officials, military personal and a range of essential workers. |
| Australian Capital Territory | Australian Capital Territory |
| Australian Capital Territory lockdown laws remain in place. | Australian Capital Territory lockdown laws remain in place. |
| The ACT had been enforcing the two-person gathering limit in public, but in homes, households are allowed up to two additional guests, as long as there is still at least four square metres per person indoors. | |
| But on 8 May, the ACT chief minister Andrew Barr announced restrictions would ease from midnight to allow gatherings of up to 10 people in indoor and outdoor settings. That includes boot camps, picnics, house inspections and auctions. | |
| Indoor funerals will be allowed to have up to 20 attendees, while those taking place outside can have up to 30 attendees. | |
| Barr advised Canberrans to avoid large crowds, keep 1.5m apart from others, continue to practice good hand hygiene and to “stay home” from work or school of they are sick. | |
| Barr previously urged residents not to leave their home, except for certain essential reasons. | |
| These are: | These are: |
| Shopping for what you need – food and necessary supplies | Shopping for what you need – food and necessary supplies |
| Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements | Medical or healthcare needs, including compassionate requirements |
| Exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements | Exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements |
| Work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely | Work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely |
| ACT police officers would be issuing a warning in the first instance. | ACT police officers would be issuing a warning in the first instance. |
| Guardian Australia understands that police have focused on enforcing the two-person gathering limits, not why people have left their homes. | Guardian Australia understands that police have focused on enforcing the two-person gathering limits, not why people have left their homes. |
| Northern Territory | Northern Territory |
| The Northern Territory already commenced its three-stage plan to ease restrictions in the state from May. | |
| Some physical distancing rules were relaxed in the Northern Territory from Friday 1 May, with chief minister Michael Gunner announcing a three-part plan for the easing of the lockdown. | |
| From Friday 1 May outdoor social activities were back on the table. Territorians were allowed to use public swimming pools, go fishing with friends and play non-contact sports like golf or tennis and visit waterparks, as long as safe physical distancing can be observed. | |
| National parks were also opened for the Mayday long weekend for camping, swimming and hiking. | |
| While the NT currently has a 10-person gathering limit, from Friday 8 May these were lifted for outdoor weddings and funerals. An unlimited number of people may attend as long as physical distancing can still be observed. | |
| From 15 May some indoor activities will also be allowed, as long as they take less than two hours. This includes going to the gym, eating at a cafe or restaurant, visiting a museum or undergoing non-facial cosmetic procedures like manicures or tanning. Bars can reopen but alcohol can only be served with a meal. | From 15 May some indoor activities will also be allowed, as long as they take less than two hours. This includes going to the gym, eating at a cafe or restaurant, visiting a museum or undergoing non-facial cosmetic procedures like manicures or tanning. Bars can reopen but alcohol can only be served with a meal. |
| Indoor weddings, funerals and religious activities will also be allowed. | Indoor weddings, funerals and religious activities will also be allowed. |
| From 5 June all businesses will be allowed to reopen as long as they have a Covid-19 plan. The two-hour limit will be lifted allowing night clubs, cinemas, tattoo parlours casinos and pokies to reopen. However physical distancing must still be observed. | From 5 June all businesses will be allowed to reopen as long as they have a Covid-19 plan. The two-hour limit will be lifted allowing night clubs, cinemas, tattoo parlours casinos and pokies to reopen. However physical distancing must still be observed. |
| All sporting activities will be allowed to restart from 5 June and spectators will be allowed to attend. | All sporting activities will be allowed to restart from 5 June and spectators will be allowed to attend. |
| Currently, remote indigenous communities have protections in place to stop non-essential visitors from entering, and quarantine periods for residents returning from community hubs. The protections will be assessed and potentially lifted on 18 June. | Currently, remote indigenous communities have protections in place to stop non-essential visitors from entering, and quarantine periods for residents returning from community hubs. The protections will be assessed and potentially lifted on 18 June. |
| Gunner said that opening the NT border would be “dead last”. | Gunner said that opening the NT border would be “dead last”. |
| The Northern Territory currently requires any non-essential travellers to self-quarantine in a hotel for a period of 14 days. As of 3 April, the traveller must pay for the expenses associated with this quarantine period. | The Northern Territory currently requires any non-essential travellers to self-quarantine in a hotel for a period of 14 days. As of 3 April, the traveller must pay for the expenses associated with this quarantine period. |
| South Australia | South Australia |
| South Australia has not formally lifted any physical distancing laws, but the state never imposed the strict lockdowns seen in Victoria, NSW or WA. | |
| South Australia opted not to enforce new two-person-gathering laws, but premier Steven Marshall had still urged people to follow these rules. | |
| Premier Steven Marshall did announce on 8 May that outdoor dining at restaurants and cafes could recommence for groups of up to 10 people from Monday 11 May. The changes fall into stage one of the state’s three-stage easing of restrictions. | |
| In addition to those officiating, funerals will be able to have 20 people attend indoor ceremonies, and 30 outdoors. Non-contact sport, house auctions and open inspections will also resume from Monday. | |
| The state will also reopen university and TAFE tutorials, public libraries, pools, churches and community halls. | |
| South Australia is the only jurisdiction to ease its ban on caravanning, camping and regional travel in general. | |
| The SA government has already also welcomed students back into classrooms for term two. | |
| On-the-spot fines of $1,000 still will only be applied to those who are gathering in groups larger than 10. | On-the-spot fines of $1,000 still will only be applied to those who are gathering in groups larger than 10. |
| On Friday, Marshall also announced stage two of the state’s plan to ease coronavirus restrictions. From 8 June, South Australia will see the reopening of cinemas and theatres, seated dining, gyms and indoor fitness, galleries and museums, and beauty services. Sporting competition will also start back up, without spectators. | |
| Future steps for consideration also include larger gatherings, reopening of nightclubs, pubs and bars, and easing state border restrictions and travel into protected communities. No date was given for when these steps could be implemented, though. | |
| Social distancing rules must still be followed, and gatherings must abide by the one person per four square meters rules. | |
| All people entering South Australia are required to undertake a 14-day quarantine. | All people entering South Australia are required to undertake a 14-day quarantine. |
| This article was amended on 15 April 2020 to correct the statement that Queensland has announced a state of emergency. It is a public health emergency. | This article was amended on 15 April 2020 to correct the statement that Queensland has announced a state of emergency. It is a public health emergency. |
| Due to the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak, this article is being regularly updated to ensure that it reflects the current situation at the date of publication. Any significant corrections made to this or previous versions of the article will continue to be footnoted in line with Guardian editorial policy. | Due to the unprecedented and ongoing nature of the coronavirus outbreak, this article is being regularly updated to ensure that it reflects the current situation at the date of publication. Any significant corrections made to this or previous versions of the article will continue to be footnoted in line with Guardian editorial policy. |