PARKLIFE RETURNS P7
TASMANIANS are starting to enjoy a renewed sense of freedom, with the first easing of coronavirus restrictions coming into effect this week.
From yesterday, national parks and reserves were open to residents for exercise within 30km of their home, while limited visits to aged care homes were also now allowed.
One of the most popular venues to reopen was Hobart’s Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, after it was forced to close on March 30 due to measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Residents were able to enjoy the gardens yesterday, but had to continue observing physical distancing rules, including limiting groups to two people except for household members.
Friends Tiffany Bester and Bethany Toth visited the gardens yesterday, eager to stretch their legs and get outdoors.
“We’ve been sick of being cooped up inside and it’s nice to get out in nature,’’ said Ms Bester, who is employed in a bar and has been unable to work due to hospitality industry closures. “I’ve been keeping my eye on all the announcements to let me know when I can go back to work.”
Other restrictions eased yesterday included funerals, now allowing 20 people to attend instead of 10.
Breast screening services have resumed, while TasTAFE campuses and training facilities opened to small groups of students attending practical learning and assessment sessions.
From next Monday, restaurants and cafes will be able to open to diners, but no more than 10 people can be seated at once. Libraries, playgrounds, swimming pools and community and local government facilities will also be able to open from May 18, with the same 10person limit applying.
Between May 25 and June 9, school students will return to learning in normal school settings, and horse racing will resume on June 13. Bars, nightclubs and casinos will not resume until at least July 13.
Health Minister Sarah Courtney said restrictions would not be eased prematurely.