No hugs for mum? Coronavirus social distancing rules means Mother's Day will be VERY different this year
- Australians will be under coronavirus restrictions on Mother's Day on May 10
- Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd asked to observe social distancing
- He said Australian's can't hug mum unless she's from 'immediate household'
- Each state and territory has different rules as to how many people can gather
With Mother's Day just around the corner, Australians are being reminded they must still maintain social distancing measures.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said Australians are not allowed to hug their mum on Mother's Day, on May 10, unless she's a member of their 'immediate household'.
However, each state and territory has its own laws and restrictions on what can or can't be done on Mother's Day, which means the day can still be celebrated in some way.
Deputy Chief Medical Officer Michael Kidd said Australians must still maintain social distancing on Mother's Day (stock)
Victoria
Premier Daniel Andrews once again reiterated that he won't be easing restrictions before May 11.
He admitted that it would be difficult to celebrate the special day but there are ways to go about it.
'Lots of things that are very different and this Mother's Day will be very different to what it has ever been,' he told Herald Sun.
'We all want to be together, but the only way to get through this crisis is to work together.
'I know we all just want to give our mum a hug.'
'Catch up with your mum over a video call. Support a local business and send her flowers or some special goodies - that's what I'll be doing,' he said.
Mr Andrews told VIctorians that this Mother's Day will be different but there are ways to get around it such as video calling (stock)
New South Wales
From Friday, people can have a maximum of two adults visit their homes as the state slowly eases restrictions.
'As you know, we've currently not allowed people to go and visit each other in their homes,' Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
'From May 1, on Friday, two adults will be able to go and visit anybody else in their home on the basis of care, on the basis of reducing social isolation and everybody's mental health.
'We know that for many people, they've been cooped up in their homes for a number of weeks, and with the exception of exercising, medical needs or buying what they need to or going to work, many people have been isolated in their homes.'
'As you know, we've currently not allowed people to go and visit each other in their homes,' Premier Gladys Berejiklian said
Queensland
From Saturday, citizens are allowed non-essential travel within 50km of their homes.
Parks and picnic grounds are expected to be among prime destinations for many who have endured weeks of lockdown.
Shopping is also allowed and even sitting on a park bench is permitted.
However, people must remain with members of their own household and those who are single are allowed to hang out with other person.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk commended Queenslanders for their efforts saying they should be proud for flattening the curve.
'Thank you so much for that great collective effort and we're all pitching in, we're all helping out, and of course this weekend is also really crucial,' she said.
'I really hope that everyone acts responsibly.'
A family are seen enjoying a picnic at Daisy Hill Forest Park in Brisbane on Saturday
Western Australia
The state has eased the total number of gatherings to a total of 10 people for weddings and funerals.
If you're looking to celebrate Mother's Day a bit differently you could go for a picnic or a hike as restrictions are eased.
'Our numbers may be low but we need to keep it that way,' Premier Mark McGowan told reporters.
Tasmania
Two people at a time are allowed to visit loved ones in Tasmania as long as each individual is healthy and social distancing is adhered to.
As they continue to push through the breakouts of the killer coronavirus, the state is vigilant on easing restrictions.
The northwest region saw an outbreak that started amongst healthcare workers and led to the closure of two hospitals.
South Australia
A group of 10 people are allowed to gather as long as the social distancing measure of 1.5m is adhered to.
'Our restrictions are actually not as severe in some respects as other states and territories,' Health Minister Stephen Wade said.
Australians are told to maintain social distancing when celebrating Mother's Day (stock)
Northern Territory
From Friday, gatherings of more than 10 people are allowed in the Northern Territory.
Chief Minister Michael Gunner stressed that the safety distance of 1.5m must still be followed.
'There is one important principle, and that is physical distancing. Failure to do so puts this plan at risk,' he said.
Australian Capital Territory
The ACT became the first jurisdiction to be declared free from coronavirus.
However there are still no plans on what restrictions to ease with ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr wanting to stay in line with NSW.
'Were we to reopen bars and restaurants, but they remained closed in NSW, then we would get quite an influx of people into the territory and that would lead to an increased risk,' he told ABC.
He suggested that public gatherings and groups of 10 may be the first restrictions to be eased. Two people are allowed to visit a home at any time in time for Mother's Day.
No comments: