Relaxed restrictions doesn't mean relaxing on distancing and hygiene

The number of new coronavirus cases has now stayed low enough for health officials to feel confident that Australia is ‘flattening the curve’. This means slowing the spread of the virus to a level that keeps us much safer and protects the health system from becoming overloaded.

In response to the lower numbers of cases, states and territories are beginning to relax some of the restrictions that have been in place around where you can go in public, how many people you can spend time with, and re-opening some of the businesses that have been  closed.

However, this easing of restrictions doesn’t mean life goes back to normal – there is still a long way to go.

Coronavirus is still dangerous, especially to Elders and people who have health problems.

Even with the relaxing of restrictions, it’s still important to limit the number of people you spend time with, keep a safe distance from people when you go out, practise good hygiene like sneezing and coughing into your elbow, properly wash your hands and make sure to get tested as soon as you start to feel unwell.

If you feel sick it’s important that you stay home and stay away from other people and check the entry requirements before going into certain remote communities.

Otherwise, if we don’t continue to take these steps, the number of cases could begin to rise quickly and put communities at a greater risk.

Make sure to keep up to date with the latest information about the restrictions which are in place in your state or territory.