Coronavirus rules in Melbourne and Perth: What does it mean for students?

Australia is one of the most stunning countries in the world and you’re guaranteed to have an amazing university adventure in our Melbourne and Perth student accommodation. However, this year, things are a little different and we know you’ll have questions about the best way to navigate the current Covid situation and the Australia lockdown rules. Don’t worry, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself, but it does mean a few extra steps are required at times. 

To make your time at university a breeze, we’ve put together a guide to the Australia lockdown rules that apply in our residences and the cities of Melbourne and Perth. 

Our Residences

Melbourne: University Square, Infinity Place

Perth: The Boulevard

To keep everyone safe, we need to keep common rooms closed in our Perth and Melbourne student accommodation during full lockdown. But when the restrictions are loosened, these rooms will be open as much as possible. At first, they can be used by just one person at a time and this will include gyms, study areas, general common rooms, communal kitchens and roof terraces. We want to make sure you get the most out of our facilities, whether that’s a crucial study session or blowing off steam at the gym!

Our team of pro cleaners will disinfect these rooms every two hours, and all staff will wear a mask throughout all areas of the building. Hand-sanitiser stations will also be provided throughout your residence and well-used areas such as elevators and stairwells will be thoroughly cleaned! 

We understand this is a hard time for students, so we’ll be hosting plenty of online well-being events to help keep your spirits up, and help you make the most of your time here. 

As for deliveries, these will be stored safely until you’re ready to collect them. 

The Cities of Melbourne & Perth

The following restrictions apply to Australia as a country, but lockdown rules in Melbourne, Perth and other regions may loosen restrictions at different times, so be sure to check health.gov.au for the most up-to-date information or follow the department of health on Twitter for updates.

Contact restrictions
You’ll need to keep a minimum distance of 1.5 metres between yourself and anyone you interact with, not including members of your household. For now at least, no dance or celebration events are allowed and you should avoid crowded areas. But don’t despair, there’s still a lot of fun to be had.  

Mask requirements

Buy yourself a stylish mask as you’ll be using it a lot - you’ll have to carry one with you at all times, and wear it on public transport, in taxis and ride shares. But that’s not all, keep your mask on when you’re in any indoor public space including shops, airports, and hospitals. If you’re outdoors and can’t keep a 1.5m distance between you and others, you’ll also need to have it on too. 

Alcohol consumption

There aren’t any specific COVID-19 restrictions when it comes to consuming alcohol in Australia. But, you should know that in Melbourne, ​you’re not allowed to drink alcohol in public places in the central business district. This is a 24/7 ban that applies to every day of the year. But what about bars? More about that below.

Free-time activities and restaurants
In Perth - and Western Australia generally - the good news is that entertainment venues are open under specific rules. These include a maximum of 50 people, the four square metre rule (put yourself in the middle of an imaginary square that reaches four square metres around you) and giving your details to the venue so that you can be traced if you come into contact with a positive case. 

For bars and restaurants, the one-person-per-2-square-metre rule applies once they fill up with 25 people, but the good news is there isn’t any requirement to be sitting at a table to eat. Nightclubs are also open for standing service, and if you hit the dance floor, be prepared to space out! A few extra safety steps won’t mean the end of fun, and you’ll find your Aussie hosts as welcoming and friendly as ever.

If you like to spend your free time getting some exercise, you’ll also be happy to hear that gyms will be opening again. Classes will be limited to 50 people excluding the instructor and there will be a limited capacity of one person per 4 square metres. 

Religious celebrations

Happily, up to 150 people are allowed to attend a religious ceremony in both states but do be careful to observe the four square metre rule. 

These restrictions are the best way to keep you safe and those around you. Sticking to the rules will speed up recovery from the coronavirus pandemic and you’ll soon be able to enjoy life in Australia to the fullest.