Playtime is back and more facilities to open on Monday in easing of coronavirus restrictions

PLAYGROUNDS are back in action and Victorians will be allowed to visit galleries, cinemas, swimming pools and many other facilities as of next week in a further easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions by the state government.
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said on Sunday that as Victoria’s rate of community transmission remained low, and the rate of testing remained high, his government was in a position to add several more changes to those already to come into effect.
Outdoor playgrounds, skateparks and outdoor communal gym equipment re-opened on Tuesday this week. Up to 10 users can use the facilities at one time, provided they maintain 1.5m physical distancing and observe COVID-Safe hygiene measures.
The Surf Coast Shire council is also preparing for gradual opening of other public facilities from Monday, June 1, pending individual COVID-Safe review of each site.
“Based on the advice of the Premier and Chief Health Officer, we will be pleased to be taking further steps out of restrictions,” chief executive officer Keith Baillie said.
“Noting the change in the Premier’s message from ‘Stay Home’ to ‘Stay Safe’, we welcome the opportunity for people and particularly families to be able to access more of our outdoor facilities.
“But with that use comes great responsibility, and we urge everyone to take particular care observing hygiene and spacing guidelines. They are essential elements of our ‘new normal’.”
Gathering limits at playgrounds, skate parks and fitness equipment are scheduled to increase to 20 users from June 1, with distancing measures in place.
Mr Baillie said the opening of other council facilities such as community buildings, galleries, museums and youth centres from June 1 would be cautiously managed.
“People should not assume everything will be open from that day. We have many precautions to work through to ensure that our staff and users are in COVIDSafe environments.”
Many businesses are also gearing up for June 1. For instance, beauty and personal care services such as nail salons, spas and tattoo parlours will be able to open with up to 20 customers per space, with customer contact details required to be kept.
Ben Melis from Torquay’s Saltair Spa welcomed the announcement. He said both the Saltair Health Spa and Saltair Day Spa would be open to give “a well-deserved escape” during the pandemic, and many people were already seeking bookings.
“On Monday, we came in after the weekend and found our phone system had melted down as a result of the interest!”
For the latest updates on what Victorians can and cannot do from June 1, head to dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19.