As Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a tightening of the rules surrounding social gatherings at his Sunday night press conference, many Australians have been left confused as to what it actually means.
The change has represented the most drastic measures that have been introduced by the Federal Government in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy has described the rule change as “radical”.
Morrison has given four acceptable reasons to leave the house.
Shopping for what you need, which includes something that is essential for a family that is going to “need to completely change the way they are going to live for the next six months at least”.)
For medical care or compassionate needs
To exercise, provided it is compliant with the new gathering rules which is no more than two people in a group
For work and education if you cannot work or learn remotely
However, if you live in a household of more than two people, Morrison has stressed that the rule does not apply to those who live within your household. If your family is split across two households, you are able to visit your parents or a sibling as long as social distancing rules are followed.
If you don’t follow the new rules, fines apply depending on your state or territory.
“Already from memory in South Australia, there's an on-the-spot fine of $1,000 if you violate [the 10-person rule], so they are not mucking around,” Mr Morrison said.
“States like New South Wales and Victoria will move further down onto those two-person rules, is my understanding, but states and territories will make their own announcements about those issues.”
The rules are also the same for older people, as there is “strong advice” that people aged 70 and over should stay home and self-isolate.
“This does not mean they cannot go outside,” Mr Morrison said.
“They can go outside and be accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting fresh air and recreation, but should limit contact with others as much as possible.”
The new rules will be in place from midnight on Monday night.
This article originally appeared on Over60.