When are things slowly coming back in Australia?
With things appearing to be on the upper, COVID-19 restrictions are set to be slowly relieved in the coming weeks and months in Australia.
Here is what we know so far:
Airlines. In a previous blog, we mentioned that airlines Qantas and Jetstar have suspended all international flights until the end of May 2020. Some domestic flights continue to operate, and flights to certain cities such as London and Los Angeles remain in operation in order for foreign nationals to go home. (Source: https://www.qantas.com/au/en/travel-info/travel-updates/coronavirus/qantas-international-network-changes.html)
Cruise Lines. P&O Cruises have stated that they will recommence operations on 15th May (https://www.pocruises.com.au/news-centre/2020/2020-march-25). Royal Caribbean Cruises will be cruising again on the 12th June. (https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en/faq/questions/when-will-cruises-resume-operations). Cunard Cruises, who own the Queen Mary II and Queen Victoria, will be resuming services on 1st August, Princess Cruises have proposed a restart date of 1st July, and Virgin Voyages are set to come back on 7th August (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/articles/cruise-lines-suspending-operations-over-coronavirus/)
Sporting Competitions. Recently, the NRL have announced that the season will be continuing on 28th May, over two months since it was initially suspended. The season will continue for twenty rounds, with the Grand Final to take place on October 25 in either Sydney or Brisbane. On 4th May, teams resumed training, despite social distancing orders still being in place. However, until further notice, games will be played behind closed doors. Other sporting competitions, including the A-League and the AFL, have not yet set a resumption date. The 2020 Olympics in Japan have been cancelled.
Pubs and Clubs: While bottle shops have continued trading, there is not yet a date in sight as to when licensed pubs and clubs will be pouring drinks once more. This has concerned patrons and publicans alike, as up to 90% of staff have lost jobs. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated in late April that he would like to see licensed venues reopen by May or June, though with some social distancing restrictions remaining in place (https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/morrison-wants-restaurant-openings-and-domestic-travel-under-eased-restrictions-20200429-p54o9s.html)
Beaches and National parks: In NSW, the government reopened beaches toward the end of April, only for attendances at the main Sydney beaches to skyrocket beyond what was permissible, leading to their subsequent closure once again. As of the start of May, beaches have now reopened, but are being policed and visitors cannot stay around for long periods of time.
Other gatherings: As of the beginning of May, most public school students have returned to in school learning, even though in all other establishments social distancing is still in practice. Classes at universities across Australia have remained to be conducted online only, though university campuses are opening doors for staff. Gatherings at funerals and weddings are still limited to ten persons (https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8224269/How-Australia-look-COVID-19-lockdown-restrictions-relaxed-May.html).
We hope all our customers are safe and healthy. The staff at Shire Shuttle Bus are eager to get back to normal as soon as possible and we look forward to assisting you with all your travel needs once restrictions have been lifted appropriately.
