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Coronavirus restrictions: Who you can and can't see this Easter weekend

Scott Morrison's message to Australians about this Easter long weekend was clear: "Stay home".

But with exceptions for certain family members given in previous press conferences, it has left many people scratching their heads over what is and isn't allowed.

Each state’s police department is responsible for overseeing social distancing rules so fines will be left up to the officers, but Yahoo News Australia has broken down responses to some common questions.

A road sign urging people to stay home is seen on the Gold Coast. Source: AAP
Scott Morrison has told all Aussies to stay home this Easter. Source: AAP

Can I see friends?

All states allow two people to meet in public for the purpose of exercise if they keep a 1.5 metre distance.

NSW: In most cases, no. NSW Police said on Facebook on Tuesday “visiting family/friends over the Easter break to socialise is NOT a reasonable excuse.” People who are providing care for a family member at another home are allowed.

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VIC: No, social visits are not permitted.

QLD: Yes, but this is limited to two other people who are not in your home as long as social distancing measures are being taken.

Two women are seen walking near a beach. Source: AAP
One of the few reasons people are allowed out of their home is to exercise. Source: AAP

WA: Yes, indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to two people, excluding household members.

SA: Yes, although it is strongly discouraged for groups larger than two to meet. A gathering must include less than 10 people.

NT: Yes, the Northern Territory does not have a set number of people that are allowed to meet, as long as it is a small group.

TAS: No, you cannot visit another household for a “social visit”.

Can I have a friend over if I live alone?

NSW and VIC: No, social visits are not allowed. Two people can meet in public if they are exercising and maintain a 1.5 metre distance.

QLD: Yes, premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said this week residents can have social guests, but no more than two people at a time.

Tourists on the grass at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Source: AAP
Tourists on the grass at Bondi Beach in Sydney. Source: AAP

WA: Yes, indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to two people, excluding household members.

SA: Yes, but social distancing is encouraged.

NT: Yes, but the number of guests should be limited.

TAS: Yes, but only two people are allowed at a time and the reasoning must fall under “compassionate and social support,” such as mental health issues, a death or family violence.

Can I see my parents?

NSW: In most cases, no. NSW Police said on Facebook on Tuesday “visiting family/friends over the Easter break to socialise is NOT a reasonable excuse.” People who are providing care for a family member at another home are allowed.

VIC: No, not unless it is for “compassionate reasons”.

QLD: Yes, as previously stated, residents can have two guests at one time but visiting someone else’s house should be restricted to only when is necessary.

People are seen walking in a park, one man is with a dog and child.
Australians have been warned to stay home as much as possible over the Easter long weekend. Source: AAP

WA: Yes, indoor and outdoor gatherings are limited to two people, excluding household members.

SA: Yes - a gathering must include less than 10 people.

NT: Yes, you are able to meet with your family, as long as the group remains small.

TAS: Yes, but only two people are allowed at a time and the reasoning must fall under “compassionate and social support”, such as mental health issues, a death or family violence.

Can I go for a drive?

Only within your local area, unless it is an emergency or you are out for an essential reason.

The 1.5 metre distance rule does not apply within the car. Drivers can have passengers that live in their household, or one person who does not.

Learner drivers will be able to continue taking lessons in all states but VIC because driving instructor is a profession.

VIC police said they will not allow driver’s lessons.

Picnics are not allowed during the coronavirus restrictions. Source: AAP
Picnics are not allowed during the coronavirus restrictions. Source: AAP

Can I go for a picnic?

No, people should only leave their home for essential reasons.

Many picnic and recreational areas have been closed across the country.

People sitting in church pews during mass. Source: AAP
All church services will be closed to the public and streamed online. Source: AAP

Can I go to church?

No. All places of worship across all states must remain closed to the public during the Easter period.

Services will be live streamed for churchgoers.

Only clergy and those formally involved in services are permitted to attend.

People are seen swimming and surfing at the beach.
Australians have been told to only go to the beach unless it is for exercise. Source: AAP

Can you go to the beach?

Yes, only if it is for the purpose of exercise and you don’t linger. However, some NSW and Queensland beaches are closed.

Can I travel and how far?

No, everyone should stay home unless they are “shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education,” the Australian Government said on its website.

All holiday plans should be cancelled and if people do travel, it should only be within their local area.

There is not a set distance that residents are not allowed to travel outside of, but people have been told they can cross their city but do not go “for miles” outside of the city.

In WA, travel outside of your regional boundary is restricted.

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