A man walks past a closed restaurant in Sydney, Australia, on June 1, 2020. Life for Australians in several major states edged closer to normal on Monday, with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and businesses after months of strict lockdowns. (Xinhua/Bai Xuefei)
SYDNEY, June 1 (Xinhua) -- Life for Australians in several major states edged closer to normal on Monday, with the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions on public gatherings and businesses after months of strict lockdowns.
Gatherings of up to 50 people were permitted once again, with restaurants and pubs being allowed to reopen, along with gyms, zoos, beauty salons, places of worship and other public institutions such as libraries and galleries.
While specific rules differed from state to state, with some only allowing gatherings of 20 people, the effect on thousands of businesses nationwide was significant and offered the return of a lifestyle similar to that of pre-COVID-19.
There were however rules for establishments to follow to prevent a second wave of infections, including allowing only one person per four square metres of space.
"We need to accept life will be different until we have an effective treatment or a vaccine," New South Wales State Health Minister Brad Hazzard said.
"A simple tip advocated by health experts is to act as if you are infectious which will help you think twice about how you interact around others, as more restrictions are eased."
With many domestic borders remaining closed despite discussions between state leaders, Aussies were urged to take a holiday closer to home and help reinvigorate the nation's badly affected tourism industry.
State leaders encouraged their constituents to take the money they would normally spend overseas or interstate, and use it to support local businesses and attractions.
"In terms of our spend, we spend billions and billions on international or interstate travel each and every year," Western Australia State Premier Mark McGowan said.
"This is the opportunity to spend all of that money right here in Western Australia, whether it is our magnificent regional communities or our great city places to spend your money."
The easing of restrictions follows a significant drop in the number of new cases being recorded despite widespread testing.
On Monday, the aged care home which staged one of the country's largest clusters was declared infection-free.
Nineteen residents died, with 37 residents and 34 staff testing positive for the virus at the nursing home during the outbreak, which began in mid-April after a member of staff worked six shifts with mild COVID-19 symptoms. Enditem
