Update on Coronavirus Measures

The National Cabinet met today to further discuss Australia’s current COVID-19 response, easing restrictions in the coming months, helping Australians prepare to go back to work in a COVID-safe environment and getting the economy moving again.

National Cabinet agreed to further changes based on AHPPC advice to enable extended removal of restrictions under Step 3 for indoor gathering density rules and reopening ticketed and seated outdoor events, including in stadiums.

Indoor Gatherings

National Cabinet agreed to remove the 100 person limit on non-essential indoor gatherings under the Step 3 Framework and replace it with:

• 1 person per 4sqm;
• staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
• maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
• staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever;
• downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case; and
• developing COVIDSafe plans for workplaces and premises.

States and territories will determine when to implement these changes under Step 3.

National Cabinet requested further advice from the AHPPC on the 1 person per 4 sqm density rule and application for small premises.

National Cabinet reiterated that it is vital for our society and our economy that we can live with this virus, and keep ourselves and others safe – we cannot risk a second wave and having to step backwards, especially now that we are making such good progress.

National Cabinet reiterated that high risk venues such as nightclubs do not form part of Step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.

Outdoor events including stadiums

For outdoor venues up to 40,000 spectator capacity, ticketed and seated events will be able to be held in front of a crowd of no more than 25 per cent of capacity under Step 3.

States and territories will make decisions on when to move to Step 3 under COVIDSafe plans.

At a minimum, COVID-Safe arrangements must be maintained including:

• 1 person per 4sqm;
• staying 1.5 metres away from other people whenever and wherever possible;
• maintaining good hand washing and cough/sneeze hygiene;
• staying home when unwell, and getting tested if you have respiratory symptoms or a fever; and
• downloading the COVIDSafe app to allow identification and traceability of people that have been in contact with a confirmed COVID case.

For outdoor venues of more than 40,000 spectator capacity, further advice is being sought from the AHPPC, with arrangements to be settled by the states and territories on a venue by venue basis.

National Cabinet reiterated that high risk outdoor events without ticketed seating such as music festivals do not form part of Step 3 and will be considered following further advice from medical experts.

International Students

National Cabinet agreed to work closely and carefully to return international students on a small, phased scale through a series of controlled pilots.

This planning process will take time and require well thought through plans from state and territory governments. Preconditions will include the reopening of internal state and territory borders, as well as the return to on-campus learning for the benefit of domestic students and the international students who are already in Australia.