New restrictions on non-essential services including play centres, galleries and swimming pools

Last night the Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced further restrictions on gatherings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, stating that people should “stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary” – for instance to go grocery shopping or exercise in small groups.

A new update, profiteering and seeking to export goods such as medical supplies and masks overseas will now be an offence, with border patrols to seize any such goods to deploy here in Australia.

Additional restrictions were also announced to take effect from midnight, Wednesday, 25 March 2020. The Prime Minister stated these restrictions don’t extend to retail and shopping centres.

From midnight of Wednesday, 25 March the following will be closed:

• Auction houses
• Outdoor and indoor markets – major food markets will be addressed by state and territory governments
• Personal services, including tanning services, tattoo parlours, waxing salons and nail salons
• Health clubs and gyms
• Amusements parks and arcades, indoor and outdoor play centres
• Galleries, museums, libraries and swimming pools

New restrictions on gatherings include:

• Hairdressers and barbers can continue to operate provided each client is in and out in 30 minutes
• Funerals of more than 10 mourners will now be banned
• Weddings will be restricted to just five people – the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses
• Boot camps and personal training limited to 10 people
• Food courts in shopping centres will only be available for takeaway
• People are encouraged to only have a few guests visit their homes at a time

Boost to Centrelink online services

In recognition of the sharp increase in people using Centrelink online – causing the website to crash – the Prime Minister apologised for any distress this has caused and asked for patience while they improved the capacity of the website.

Reinforcement of international travel restrictions

The advice has changed from do not travel overseas to a ban on all non-essential overseas travel. The exceptions will be for critical employment and compassionate reasons.

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Further enquiries, please contact:

Therese Raft
National Communications Manager
Grant Thornton Australia

T +61 2 8297 2724
E therese.raft@au.gt.com