Australia’s cafes, restaurants open their doors

Hundreds of Australians have flocked to beaches and cafes after getting a taste of freedom as coronavirus lockdown restrictions are eased.

Businesses across Australia opened their doors for the first time on Friday after being closed for dining service for nearly eight weeks.

Exercise groups and churches were also allowed to operate again under the first stage of the government three-step plan to kick-start the economy and return daily life back to normal.

Cafes, restaurants and bars have only been allowed to offer takeaway service under the restrictions which were introduced on March 23 to slow the spread of the deadly coronavirus.

Now that the curve of infection rates has flattened in Australia, the federal government gave the green light for states to begin easing restrictions within their own timeline.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has warned that tougher restrictions could return if the infection rate spikes again.

New South Wales was the first state to allow indoor dining with a limit of 10 customers permitted inside the venue at any one time.

Other states are expected to follow in the coming weeks. South Australia is currently allowing cafes and restaurants to operate outdoor dining for up to 10 people.

Large groups braved the cold to line up to get a seat at a cafe in Bondi early on Friday morning.

Dozens of punters were rugged up in their winter warmers as they waited to be seated inside the trendy cafe.


Dhaka/Mukul