Aus PM announces relaxations of COVID-19 rules to allow sporting events to resume


PTI, Jun 12, 2020, 1:59 PM IST

Melbourne: Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday, June 12 announced further relaxation of coronavirus restrictions, including allowing sports stadiums capable of seating 40,000 people to host crowds of up to 10,000 from next month.

Speaking after a National Cabinet meeting, the prime minister said the changes would apply to events like sporting matches, concerts,, and festivals, though venues would only be able to seat 25 percent of their capacity.

He said the States were working towards rules for allowing the stadiums of up to 40,000 seats to host up to 10,000 people from July.

“It would have to be a large, open area. There would need to be seated at the appropriate distance. It would need to be ticketed, so people would be able to understand who was in attendance at that event,” Morrison said.

He said the details of the rules for such venues were still being worked out in cooperation with chief health officers across the country.

Morrison also announced further changes to the plan to reopen the economy with gatherings capped at 100 in the plan, instead of to be governed by the four-square-meter rule and a pilot program, to bring international students back to Australia.

“That means for much larger premises that will provide a much larger scope. This is an issue as you know that’s caused great heartache across the community,” he said.

“I’m sure we’ll enjoy this welcome change. If they’re larger funerals, they can have more people and if they’re outdoor venues, with proper seating they can have larger gatherings,” the prime minister said.

On opening borders for overseas students, Morrison said: “We’ll be working closely on states and territories, firstly on a pilot basis, to enable, in a very controlled setting, for international students to be able to come to Australia but only on pre-approved plans for particular institutions.”

“I’m not suggesting this is going to happen soon. There’s still a lot of work to do and that needs to get in place,” he said.

In his national address on Friday afternoon, Morrison also criticized people attending mass rallies and protests in the wake of a weekend of Black Lives Matter protests last weekend.

“It puts not only your own health at risk, but it puts other people’s lives at risk,” he said, adding that attending rallies puts the “livelihoods of other Australians at risk, people’s businesses, it was the progress we have been able to make at risk”.

‘Black Lives Matter’ protests were held in several parts of Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane raising concerns over health risks involved due to COVID-19.

Udayavani is now on Telegram. Click here to join our channel and stay updated with the latest news.

Top News

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

HC directs Delhi govt to appoint ex-officio members to state mental health authority

‘Challenge after 44 years’: Supreme Court junks pleas against ‘socialist’, ‘secular’ in Preamble

Related Articles More

COP29: India rejects new USD 300 billion climate finance deal

Royal tour of India in offing for King Charles, Queen Camilla: Report

Indian-American leaders applaud PM Modi for inclusive growth in India

COP29: Civil society protests climate finance proposal, calls for ‘no deal’ over ‘bad deal’

Bomb disposal squad tackles ‘security incident’ at UK’s Gatwick Airport

MUST WATCH

Coconut Flower

Prakash Belawadi

Naxal Leader Vikram Gowda

Christmas Cake Fruit Mixing

DK Shivakumar


Latest Additions

Wanted to kill Ajmal Kasab who caused so much of pain, recalls 26/11 terror attack victim

Two retired revenue officials among four arrested in land grabbing case in Jammu

Kerala govt to revise manual for junior doctors, house surgeons

State can interfere with religious practices if they impede development, equality rights: SC

Four cheers at MP’s Kuno park; cheetah Neerva gives birth to cub quartet

Thanks for visiting Udayavani

You seem to have an Ad Blocker on.
To continue reading, please turn it off or whitelist Udayavani.