COVID-19: Full details of the NT Government's three stage plan to lift restrictions | NT Independent

COVID-19: Full details of the NT Government’s three stage plan to lift restrictions

by | Apr 30, 2020 | COVID-19, News | 0 comments

Restrictions on non-contact outdoor sports and activities, businesses, weddings, and funeral ceremonies will be adjusted on Friday at noon as the NT Government attempts to restart its depressed economy and get the Territory back to business.

It’s the first stage of Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s three stage “roadmap to the new normal” released Thursday morning.

While external border restrictions will remain in place for the foreseeable future, internal border controls are set to be lifted by June 18.

The lifting of the restrictions will come in stages and will require Territorians to practice physical distancing and for all businesses and organisations to have COVID-19 safety plans in place.

Stage 1: May 1

Stage one will commence tomorrow, with the following activities to be permitted, provided physical distancing can be maintained at all times:

  • Personal gatherings including outdoor weddings and funerals.
  • Playgrounds, parks and campgrounds outside biosecurity areas.
  • Public swimming pools, lagoons and water parks.
  • Outdoor sports where physical distancing can be maintained including golf and tennis as well as training outdoors.
  • Go fishing, boating, and sailing with other people.

According to a statement from the Chief Minister, this will also include allowing real estate open house inspections and auctions, and gatherings in homes.

Stage 2: May 15

On May 15, stage two will see further restrictions lifted on food courts and restaurants, cafes and bars, provided attending the venues is for no more than two hours. Restrictions will also be lifted on outdoor training and non-contact sport teams. That includes:

  • Shopping centre food courts.
  • Restaurants, cafes, and bars for the consumption of food – excluding gaming areas.
  • Organised outdoor training activities for sport teams without physical contact.
  • Beauty therapy salons for non-facial services such as nails, massage and tanning.
  • Gymnasium.
  • Public libraries.
  • Places used for religious worship – including indoor weddings and funerals.

The venues will be required to complete a COVID-19 checklist, which the government said would not “create a new approvals process or red tape”.

“Businesses will be able to complete and submit the simple checklist prior to opening, with health officers making subsequent compliance checks,” the statement said.

Stage 3: June 5

The third stage will start rolling out by June 5, when the two-hour time limit will be removed and restrictions will be eased on further indoor activities, including:

  • Officiating, participating and supporting the playing of team sports such as football, basketball, soccer and netball
  • TABs, and all licensed gaming venues. 
  • Any cinema or theatre, concert hall, music hall, dance hall, nightclub or any other similar entertainment venue in approved configuration.
  • Previously restricted services at a place that provides beauty therapy, and/or cosmetic services including facial care.
  • All businesses, facilities and services previously restricted can now resume ensuring adherence to key principles.

All Territory businesses, services, facilities and organisations will have their own COVID-19 safety plan in place by June 5.

The need for a safety plan will also apply to remote communities within the Designated Biosecurity Areas.

Further, Mr Gunner said internal border controls are set to expire on June 18, but will be done in consultation with land councils and communities.

“The decision on whether to lift those controls will be made in partnership with the Federal Government, Land Councils and communities – and based on the health advice,” he said.

The Territory’s existing external border security and quarantine arrangements will not change, Mr Gunner said.

More information can be found at: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/ or call the hotline on 1800 518 055.

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