WITH stage three restrictions has come much confusion.
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Can I go for a drive? Can I visit my elderly parent? Making things more confusing is mixed messages between the federal and state governments about what is allowed.
The Ararat Advertiser has compiled a list of answers from the Department of Health and Human Services after readers submitted their questions to us on our Facebook page.
While the list of restrictions is long, a Department spokeswoman reminded Victorians that there is still "a long way to go" before restrictions are eased.
"Now is not the time for complacency," she said.
"While we are starting to see some improvement in the rate of transmission, that rate is still far too high.
"The number of cases that may have been acquired through community transmission still has gone up.
"We thank those Victorians who overwhelmingly are doing the right thing by staying at home but we must keep at it to save lives. If we become complacent now, this early on - we lose."
As of Thursday April 9, Ararat has one confirmed case, Horsham has three, the Northern Grampians has three, and Yarriambiack has one.
Can I go for a drive if I don't get out of the car?
No. The Department of Health and Human Services Victoria says: Non-essential car trips are irresponsible. In the event of an accident or breakdown, you will be exposing emergency services and responders to an unnecessary risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). Please, stay home.
Can I visit my elderly or vulnerable relative or friend to help them?
Yes. However, the Department states you must still maintain a physical distance of at least 1.5 metres at all times. Pregnant women also fall under this category.
What about babysitting for a friend or relative?
Yes. This includes hiring a baby-sitter. The Department says you can: provide child-minding services at someone's home because that person needs to leave the house for one of the permitted reasons, or work or study at home.
Can I take my child to their father/mother/guardian's home?
Yes. Additionally, court orders must still be followed, and if your child is in the care of another person, including foster care, you can still visit them and transport them as required.
Can I visit other family members or host them in my home?
No, unless you are providing medical, compassionate, or another form of care for them.
Can I move house, or travel for the purposes of re-location?
Yes. Travel for the purpose of moving house is allowed, including relocating to other states.
What about if I need to escape a family violence situation?
Yes, you can leave, relocate, or seek assistance if you or your family is in danger of family violence.
I need to collect firewood for heating. Am I able to do this?
Yes, but social distancing rules apply. See here for further information on this.
Can I stay at my holiday home or second residence?
Yes. However, the stay at home rules still apply and non-essential travel is not allowed.
Can I travel a long distance with a family member to care for a vulnerable person? Can I bring a family member to help me with the drive?
Yes. While people should not be travelling with passengers where avoidable, this situation falls under compassionate reasons.
Can I go metal detecting?
No. This is considered a non-essential activity.
When can I go outside for exercise?
People can exercise outdoors any time of day and for any reasonable period of time. However, Victorians should avoid going unnecessary distances for exercise and must observe social distancing rules.
You can exercise with anyone you live with, or one other person you don't live with.
If you don't live with them you must maintain 1.5 metres of distance between you. This other person can be a personal trainer.
Exercise includes running, walking, yoga, working out in a park, walking the dog and bike riding.
Can I take my children to the park?
Yes, but you must keep visits brief and maintain social distancing. The Department says: Children should not be allowed to come into contact with playground equipment, outdoor chairs and tables, and they should not drink from public drinking fountains.
Can I engage in water sports and boating?
No.
What do I do if I see someone breaking the rules?
Call the police. For non-emergency situations call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. For emergencies, call Triple Zero.
You can also call the coronavirus hotline: 1800 675 398 for more information. For a full breakdown of what you can and can't do, visit the Department's site here.
Send us your coronavirus questions:
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