In another late-night address to the nation, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a slew of new restrictions to slow Australia’s rapidly growing coronavirus outbreak.
Many Australians have been left wondering what exactly the new restrictions will mean for them, with Labor’s senate leader Penny Wong describing the announcement as “clear as mud”.
But Mr Morrison drove home the one thing everyone should be doing: “Stay home unless it is absolutely essential you go out”.
The strong advice comes as Australia passed 2,000 COVID-19 cases - just days after the country hit 1,000 on Saturday.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says no more Sunday barbeques. Source: AAP
To stem this spread, contact with family members outside your immediate home should also be limited and Mr Morrison has put an end to Sunday barbeques.
"Going out for the basics, going out for exercise, perhaps with your partner or family members provided it's a small group, that’s fine,” he said.
"Barbecues of lots of friends or even extended family coming together to celebrate one-year-old birthday parties and all these sorts of things - we can't do those things now.”
Still, confused? Here is what you need to know.
Here’s what you can no longer do from midnight on Wednesday
Beauty therapy, waxing, tanning, nail salons, spas, and tattoo parlours will shut. This excludes any health-related services, such as physiotherapy.
Food courts in shopping centres will only be allowed to serve takeaway food.
Auction houses, open house inspections and house auctions will have to close.
Attend amusement parks, arcades, indoor or outdoor play centres.
Play social sports - even big groups of people playing football in the park.
Public pools will be closed, as will libraries.
Galleries, museums, youth centres, community halls, clubs and RSLs will also have to shut their doors.
No more barbeques, house parties or other large gatherings in the home.
Overseas travel is now officially banned.
These activities can continue, but with restrictions
Hairdressers can remain open, but customers can only be in the salon for 30 minutes or less.
Bootcamps and personal training can continue in groups of less than 10. Social distancing must be enforced.
Funerals will be limited to 10 people - who must stand 1.5 meters away from each other.
Weddings can also go ahead, but with a maximum of five people: the couple, the celebrant and two guests.
The closure of outdoor and indoor food markets will be left up to the states.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
