Australia has begun to enjoy a 'new normal' after easing social distancing restrictions implemented to control the coronavirus outbreak.

States and territories have once again allowed their residents to hit the beach and eat out after working hard to successfully flatten the curve. 

But restrictions have not been eased consistently across the whole country or throughout all industries. 

There are mixed messages about what is deemed safe, with the fitness, entertainment, beauty and tourism industries suffering the most.

The Federal Government created a three-step plan to ease coronavirus restrictions over the coming months but the exact rules and timing of them will be decided by state and territory governments.  

Here, Daily Mail Australia explores the biggest losers of the nation's lockdown in each state.   






Events with hundreds or thousands of revellers like festival (pictured) are off the cards indefinitely. Stage-three of the Federal Government's plan to ease restrictions allows gatherings of up to 100 people







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PUBS
Pubs have opened across the country but they are required to follow a strict set of rules. 

Up to 50 people will be able to dine in restaurants, pubs and cafes in NSW from June 1, up from 10 currently. 

But the new freedom comes with greater responsibility for publicans and customers to ensure there are no COVID-19 outbreaks. 

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian suggested the days of ordering a beer at the bar and standing around for a catch-up chat are likely a thing of the past.

Pubgoers will not be allowed to stand up or mingle and they are required to order while seated at a table.    

The eased restrictions are also subject to a one person per four square metre rule, meaning smaller pubs will not be allowed to host the maximum 50 people.  






Pictured: Customers dine at the Rio in Summer Hill, Sydney, on Friday May 15 as NSW eases their restrictions


Victoria will allow 20 people in restaurants, cafes and pubs from June 1. It will be increased to 50 from June 22 and 100 in late July. 

From Friday May 15, Queensland allowed 10 people at a time to dine at restaurants, cafes, pubs, registered and licensed clubs, RSL clubs and hotels.    

South Australia allows seated alcohol service with up to 10 customers indoors and 10 outdoors. Stage-two of easing restrictions has been brought forward to June 1 and up to 80 people will be allowed in large hospitality venues.

In Western Australia, cafes, pubs and restaurants may seat up to 20 patrons. Further easing of restrictions are expected on June 8. 

Tasmania allowed restaurants, cafes and pubs to seat 10 customers at a time from Monday. 

The Northern Territory opened pubs on May 15. But unlike other states, there are no restrictions on how many people can be allowed into a venue, with officials simply imposing a two-hour limit. 

The conditions placed on pubs as restrictions continue to ease are a world away from the venues before coronavirus. The return date for nightclubs and social gatherings with hundreds of revellers is even more blurry.  






Pubs are required to follow strict social distancing guidelines and limit how many revellers enter the venue at once 



ENTERTAINMENT AND AMUSEMENT VENUES 
Events with hundreds of revellers are off the cards indefinitely, hitting the country's arts and entertainment industries hard.

The final step of the government's plan is capped at gatherings of 100 people, meaning there is no indication about the return of mass gatherings.

Mass gatherings could include anything from festivals and music gigs to attending sporting matches as a spectator. 

Step-two recommends the reopening of indoor movie theatres, concert venues, stadiums, galleries, museums and zoos with up to 20 patrons.

These venues typically attract hundreds and even thousands of guests at once. 

By step-three the listed venues could have up to 100 guests.   






NSW and Victoria are the only two states who did not shut their borders during the health crisis. Pictured: Barriers are seen installed at Miles Street in Coolangatta on the Gold Coast



TOURISM
The Federal Government's framework states that interstate travel should be allowed by phase-three but the return of domestic travel has been a point of contention for state and territory leaders.

The ACT, Bowie movers NSW and Victoria kept their borders open throughout the health crisis, but banned residents from travelling.  

Queensland, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, South Australia and Tasmania decided to shut off from the rest of the country and their borders remain closed.   

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk warned her state's borders could remain shut until at least September.

The decision sparked a fiery political debate, with Ms Berejiklian calling Ms Palaszczuk's decision to keep Queensland's borders closed 'ridiculous'.   






It's hoped Australians will be allowed to travel domestically to support the national economy