New South Wales residents are excitedly planning their next regional trip after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed that residents are able to travel regionally for holidays.
She also confirmed that pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes are going to be set up to host up to 20 people.
“Absolutely,” the Premier said when asked if the number would double within a month.
“That’s definitely on the cards. We’re looking forward to continuing to have those conversations with industry and the health experts but we’re also really pleased, can I say, the way in which the community has respected the restrictions.”
However, she’s urging residents to take caution.
“But please know it won’t be a holiday like before,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“We still have to exercise social distancing. We have to book ahead. Please make sure you plan ahead.
“Book as many things as possible online and call ahead to the place you’re visiting to see what’s available and what options you have.
“Even though restrictions are being eased, the message is that the virus isn’t any less deadly or contagious, it just means we have to live with it.”
Not every state is on board with the move, including Tasmania.
Tasmania Premier Peter Gutwein has said it’s too early to set a date for when their borders will come down.
“If we can continue to follow those rules … I expect that in July we will be able to set a date for when our borders will come down. To set a date now … would not be common sense,” Mr Gutwein said on Tuesday.
Federal Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham, despite Tasmania’s concerns, is urging state and territory governments to reopen their borders to domestic holiday takers when it’s safe.
“Those states who’ve got border controls in place, assuming we’ve continued to see very low rates of transmission of COVID-19, ought to be looking at opening up their borders,” he told Nine on Tuesday.
This article originally appeared on Over60.