New South Wales will ease coronavirus lockdown restrictions further from June 1.
The state will cautiously reopen pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes for 20 people to dine in – doubling the current patronage limits.
Art galleries, libraries and museums will also be permitted to start trading again in two weeks – almost 60 days after they were forced to close due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision will bring an important economic boost for the struggling industries, which were crippled by the forced closures on March 23.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian is also expected to permit intrastate travel from June 1.
Pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes in New South Wales will be permitted to sit 20 patrons from June 1, as the government eases coronavirus lockdown restrictions. Pictured: Last drinks at the Pyrmont Bridge Hotel in Sydney before bars closed on March 23
Regional travel within New South Wales will ease in just two weeks following a relaxation of coronavirus lockdown restrictions
Earlier on Tuesday, the Premier said she worked closely with regional communities before making her decision.
‘Some want it desperately because they appreciate the economic activity that will bring, and others are a bit more anxious about what that means,’ she said.
In relation to reopening cultural institutions, Ms Berejiklian said they would be required to adhere to ‘strict new protocols’ – particularly for the duration of the pandemic.
‘NSW is home to some of Australia’s best art galleries and museums… I look forward to them reopening to the public,’ she said.
Art galleries, libraries and museums will also be permitted to start trading again in two weeks
‘I would encourage museums, galleries and libraries to be innovative to ensure strict social distancing is adhered to and good hygiene measures are followed.’
The number of visitors will be limited to one for every four square metres, and group tours will be put on hold for the time being.
The new rules comes as Ms Berejiklian clashed with Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after the latter said she may not reopen her state borders until September.
Ms Palaszczuk said her government hoped to ease some interstate travel by July, but not necessarily for people in New South Wales.
‘That could be for example South Australians coming to Queensland, because South Australia does not have community transmission,’ the Premier said.
‘I am not going to put at risk the lives of Queenslanders… there is community transmission in NSW and Victoria. If other states want to look at working with Queensland, absolutely I am open to that.’
The decision is an important economic boost for the struggling industry, which has barely stayed afloat since the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to close their doors on March 23
Residents in New South Wales will have plenty of options for travel, including the scenic coasts or Byron Bay
Western Australia and South Australia have also signalled borders could remain shut until the end of winter.
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney told Daily Mail Australia it was imperative that New South Wales allowed regional travel as soon as it was safe to do so.
‘Tourism is going to be so important to the social and economic recovery of NSW. Future travellers can give our regional communities the boost they need to bounce back by visiting and spending locally,’ she said.
‘Once regional travel in NSW is allowed, it will be more important than ever for us all to practice physical distancing and good hygiene to protect ourselves and those we come into contact with.’
The state government on Tuesday confirmed intrastate travel will be allowed from June 1
A spokeswoman for the Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney told Daily Mail Australia it was imperative that New South Wales allowed regional travel as soon as it was safe to do so