Queensland and West Australian Governments announce easing of Coronavirus restrictions

The Governments of Western Australia and Queensland have today each announced an easing of Coronavirus restrictions, making some allowances for people to resume some specific activities.

With Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison having said no national restrictions would be lifted until at least 11th May, at the end of a four-week period during which a number of key statistical metrics would be measured, the Queensland and Western Australian Governments are to relax restrictions this week as evidence grows of a successful reduction in infections in each state.

With the lifting of restrictions having been discussed by both Federal and state governments, each state is to take an individual approach based on their own numbers and medical advice.

Queensland
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced that from Saturday 2nd May people would be able to go for a drive within 50 kilometres of their home or go out for a picnic with members of their household.

Some non-essential shopping, like for clothes or shoes, would be permitted and some national parks are to reopen.

Premier Palaszczuk stressed that maintaining the existing social-distancing measures was essential, and that "if we do see mass gatherings, I will not hesitate to clamp back down".

Western Australia
Western Australia Premier Mark McGowan went a little further, announcing a "cautious relaxation" of some restrictions from tomorrow - Monday 27th April.

While emphasising that people still have to abide by social distancing measures, the two-person rule has been lifted, with indoor and outdoor non-work gatherings of up to 10 people now allowed to "ensure family and friends can stay connected during the pandemic".

Like Queensland, West Australians are encouraged to "continue to practice appropriate social distancing".

Premier Mark McGowan stated "the changes ... are sensible and reasonable and are designed to provide some relief for Western Australians."

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