Easing into it: Shire re-opens some facilities following state’s coronavirus order

THERE has been a slight easing of restrictions on people’s movement in the Surf Coast Shire and across Victoria, as the state government continues to try to limit the spread of the coronavirus.
As of 11.59pm on Tuesday this week, a fifth reason for leaving home has been added – it is now okay to visit family and friends, with up to five visitors allowed at a home and groups of no more than 10 if meeting outdoors.
The Surf Coast Shire council has re-opened a range of public recreation and community facilities.
Outdoor basketball, netball and tennis courts and sporting ovals will be among spaces and facilities available for use by groups of up to 10 people, provided users maintain 1.5m physical distancing and observe COVIDSafe hygiene measures.
People can now also use beaches, the Winchelsea golf course, lawn bowls greens, equestrian arenas, sporting fields including ovals and pitches, bike parks, lookouts, toilets at recreation venues, and community gardens.
Playgrounds remain closed along with several other facilities, including skate parks, public barbecues, outdoor fitness equipment and community halls and centres.
“In line with the latest advice from the Premier and Chief Health Officer, we are returning public access to many important recreation facilities,” shire chief executive officer Keith Baillie said.
“It will be good to enable people to return to some of the healthy activities they enjoy after their periods in lockdown, but we remind everyone to keep observing the essentials like gathering restrictions, social distancing and maintaining high level hygiene with frequent hand washing and coughing into elbows.
“Exercise is one of the five reasons people can justify leaving home but the bottom line message for Victoria remains if you can stay home, stay home.
“We have been liaising with our sporting and community user groups informing them of re-opening plans and many of them will need to carefully manage how they go about their activities.”
He said clubs hoping to resume training should refer to official guidance being issued by state authorities for their sport.
Up to 10 people will now be allowed to attend weddings and 20 can gather for funerals.
However, the state of emergency in Victoria (which expired on Monday) has been extended until at least May 31.
For a full list of what is and isn’t allowed now in this state, head to the Department of Health and Human Services website at dhhs.vic.gov.au/gradual-easing-restrictions-covid-19.