After weeks of harsh lockdowns, some Australian states and territories are tentatively rolling back COVID-19 restrictions.
It comes as new daily case numbers of the virus continue to drop and the country's pandemic curve has well and truly flattened.
But authorities are warning that now is not the time to get complacent.
NSW
NSW is home to more than half of the nation's 6,746 COVID-19 cases, which has resulted in the state imposing strict stay-at-home rules.
But like the rest of Australia, new cases have plummeted, prompting Premier Gladys Berejiklian to announce a big change earlier this week.
From Friday, two adults and their children will be allowed to visit another household to "reduce social isolation and maintain mental health".
"We haven't put a limit on how far you can travel in order to visit a loved one but we ask everybody to be responsible - this is not a holiday," Ms Berejiklian said.
Authorities are urging people to maintain social distancing and take extra hygiene precautions during these visits.
"When visiting, meeting in an outdoor environment such as home garden, backyard or verandah will help reduce the risk," Ms Berejiklian said.
In addition, some of Sydney's most popular beaches including Bondi and Bronte have reopened for swimming and surfing only.
"[These] beaches remain closed to all land-based activities including social gatherings, sunbaking, walking and jogging," Waverley Council material says.
But the vast amount of NSW restrictions still remain in place.
Aside from the change to household visits, residents are still only allowed the leave their home if they have a "reasonable excuse".
obtaining food or other goods and services, travelling for the purposes of work or education if the person cannot do it at home, exercise, or medical or caring reasons.
Queensland
There is good news for Queenslanders who have been struggling with boredom, with a whole range of recreational activities to be allowed from this weekend.
From Saturday, residents will be allowed to have a picnic, go for a drive for non-essential purposes, ride a motorbike, jetski or boat just for fun, visit a national park and go shopping for non-essential items.
People shouldn't travel further than 50 kilometres from home and only members of the same household are permitted to undertake these activities together. If you live alone, you can socialise with only one other person.
"If we do see mass gatherings, I will not hesitate to clamp back down," Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.
Social distancing of 1.5 metres and proper hygiene must be maintained.
Queensland Police Commissioner Katarina Carroll said additional officers would be on patrol this weekend to make sure Queenslanders don't overstep the mark.
"Police will be out and about, asking if you're from the same household, if you're keeping your distance, etc," she said.
Northern Territory
Territorians will have a whole lot more options to spend their days from Friday.
Playgrounds, public swimming pools, some national parks and reserves are among the facilities reopening, while recreational activities such as fishing with friends and golf will also be allowed.
On Thursday, Chief Minister Michael Gunner .
He announced gyms, cafes, restaurants and some bars will reopen on 15 May, with a two-hour time limit.
And on 5 June, all businesses with COVID-19 plans can reopen and spectators will be allowed to attend sports.
"The whole idea is to get to as close to normal without putting you at risk and without putting some of Australia's vulnerable at risk," Mr Gunner said.
"To be clear, the 1.5 metre social distancing guidelines will continue to apply to venues, these restrictions are not being removed."
The eased rules could provide a blueprint for other jurisdictions due to make decisions about restarting economic and social activity.
Western Australia
Western Australia was the first to move on Monday when it began its cautious relaxation of some measures.
Groups of 10 people are now allowed to gather for exercise, weddings and funerals.
Recreational activities such as picnics in parks, fishing, boating, hiking and camping are also allowed but people must still comply with travel restrictions.
Open home inspections have started up again, and the state is forcing its hospitality workers to complete a COVID-19 hygiene course as it prepares to reopen bars and eateries.
"We need to remember we remain in a state of emergency," Premier Mark McGowan told reporters on Sunday.
Restrictions are starting to be loosened in some states and territories. Source: AAP
"That's why our borders will remain shut for a long period of time. Our numbers may be low but we need to keep it that way," he said.
"And I strongly encourage that everyone must continue to practice appropriate social distancing."
Victoria
Victoria is taking a cautious approach which means nothing changes for residents just yet.
Premier Daniel Andrews said the earliest some restrictions might be lifted is 11 May, when the state of emergency comes to an end.
"With that data, with those test results, we will have options to ease some of the restrictions that I know are frustrating and challenging and difficult, but restrictions that are working," he said this week.
"This is like a double check. This is about absolutely making sure that there's not something going on out there that we're not aware of."
Victoria has recorded 22 new cases of coronavirus. Source: AAP
Tasmania
A tough lockdown of north-west Tasmania, which forced non-essential retailers to shut and schools to stay closed, will be eased on Monday.
Twelve of Tasmania's 13 COVID-19 deaths have been in the north-west and two-thirds of an overall 221 cases have come from the outbreak there.
"The outbreak in the north-west is now largely under control," Premier Peter Gutwein announced on Friday.
The easing of restrictions brings the north-west back in line with the rest of the state and means retailers such as clothing and whitegoods stores can open for the first time in three weeks.
Premier of Tasmania Peter Gutwein. Source: AAP
Mr Gutwein stressed statewide restrictions, including limits on public gatherings and a ban on non-essential trips, would remain in place.
South Australia and the ACT
South Australia is still considering its next move and hasn't announced any changes yet, despite recording no new coronavirus cases for an entire week.
The state has already taken a more lenient approach throughout the lockdown with gatherings of up to 10 people still allowed, while no fines have been issued for breaching the coronavirus restrictions.
The ACT is also adamant it won't imperil its low case count by changing anything yet.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has flagged a national cabinet meeting with state and territory leaders in mid-May, saying it will be crucial to lifting some social and economic clamps that have affected the nation.
Two years of restrictions?
The changes announced by states and territories are all dependent on maintaining social distancing as part of Australia's "new normal".
Professor Peter Collignon, an infectious diseases expert at the Australian National University, warned Australians not to get complacent in the months ahead.
"The reason we've done so well is we've stopped crowds, we've got good follow-up, we've got good testing, people are washing their hands and they're physical distancing … The vast majority of people have been compliant with the measures put in place," he told SBS News.
"At the moment, we are in a very good position but if we become complacent we may easily drop out of that good position."
Professor Collignon said he was especially concerned about the approaching winter.
"Winter is coming in two months and all respiratory viruses transmit more at this time."
And he said the pandemic will not end anytime soon, meaning some restrictions could be in place for a long time.
"We need to keep this up for the next six months and maybe even for two years."
Additional reporting: AAP
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.
SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus
