Essential v non essential gatherings

Limits have been put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and are especially important for at risk people, such as older people and those with chronic conditions. But what is the difference between Non-essential and Essential gatherings? 

Essential gatherings include

essential workplaces, where you cannot work from home

health care settings

pharmacies

food shopping

schools and universities, where you cannot study from home

public transport and airports

These essential gatherings must apply social distancing  and Good Hand and Oral Hygiene practices, such as being able to maintain a distance of 1.5 metres between people and providing hand hygiene products and suitable rubbish bins, with frequent cleaning and waste disposal.

Non-Essential gatherings

You should stay at home unless you are going to work or education (if you are unable to do so at home), shopping for essential supplies such as groceries, return home without delay, going out for personal exercise in the neighbourhood, on your own or with one other or attending medical appointments or compassionate visits.

The following facilities were restricted from opening from midday local time 23 March 2020:

Pubs, registered and licensed clubs (excluding bottle shops attached to these venues), hotels (excluding accommodation)

Gyms and indoor sporting venues

Cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos and night clubs

Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery

From 12:00am on 26 March, these restrictions were extended to the following:

Food courts (except for take away)

Auction houses, real estate auctions and open houses

Personal services ( beauty, nail, tanning, waxing and tattoo salons)

Spa and massage parlours, excluding health related services such as physiotherapy

Amusement parks, arcades and play centres (indoor and outdoor)

Strip clubs, brothels and sex on premises venues.

Galleries, national institutions, historic sites and museums

Health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre and spin facilities, saunas, bathhouses and wellness centres and swimming pools

Community facilities such as community halls, libraries and youth centres, RSL and PCYC

Gaming and gambling venues

Indoor and outdoor markets (excluding food markets). States and territories will make their own announcements about this.

Roadside facilities for truck driver lounges can remain open, providing the facilities and patrons exercise social distancing and good hygiene. These facilities are only open to truck drivers. Allowing these facilities to operate ensures the health and safety of heavy vehicle drivers is maintained, while supporting the critical movement of goods and services around Australia.

Churches and other places of worship are (as of 3 April) considered places of work so services can be streamed to the community. This will ensure that religious services remain accessible to congregations. Services may be conducted and streamed providing: only essential staff are present, the venue/facility remains closed to the public and social distancing principles are adhered to — 1 person per 4 square metres.

Weddings can be conducted with no more than 5 people, including the couple, the celebrant and the witnesses. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed.

Funerals must be limited to no more than 10 people. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed.

Hairdressers and barbers can continue to operate under strict new rules. The 4 square metre rule and social distancing must be observed.

Hotels, hostels, bed and breakfast, campsites, caravan parks and boarding houses will be a decision for each state and territory.