Highlights
- Coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease in Melbourne
- Families unite after months of separation due to the 5km rule
- People can now travel up to 25km and get haircuts at the barber
Kiran who lives in the Reservoir suburb in Melbourne had not seen her sister for months due to the 5km rule. She was ecstatic after finding out that she can travel up to 25km.
The first thing Kiran did was to catch-up with her sister. “She’s the only extended family I have here. We finally saw each other in person after months, we chatted and ate food.” Kiran told SBS Urdu.
“My lockdown experience was hard because it felt like life had come to a halt.
“There was no enjoyment, no social life, we could not go anywhere, meet anyone or eat out,” she further added.
Nabrona who lives in Melbourne’s North spent the first day of eased restrictions with her family.
“We went to a park beyond 5km’s and celebrated by enjoying a nice picnic with my family,” Nabrona told SBS Urdu.
Melbourne residents are now able to travel 25 kilometres from their home and socialise and exercise outdoors without time limits under new changes to Victoria's coronavirus restrictions. Outdoor gatherings have been increased to a maximum of 10 people from two households from 11:59 pm on Sunday, 18th October.
This image is for representation purposes only. Source: Getty Images/Media/Icon Sportswire
At the same time, tennis courts, skate parks, outdoor pools, golf clubs, and hairdressers have reopened.
Nabrona’s lockdown experience has been good overall but she had to resign from her job to take care of her two kids.
“It was too risky when we had more than 700 cases in Melbourne, I decided to resign and take care of my kid's health and safety.”
Shahbaz, a Craigieburn resident is excited to be able to meet his sister’s family and is also looking forward to getting a haircut.
While talking to SBS Urdu Shahbaz said that “I can finally go to the barbershop which has been long due.”
Shahbaz has been living in Melbourne for more than 20 years and says that he has never been on such a long leave.
“To spend my lockdown productively, I took up some self-development courses to pass the time and worked on a pending home-improvement project.
“But there comes a time when you get bored and you run out of ideas on how to keep yourself engaged.
“So I am glad the lockdown has finally eased”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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