As Victoria edges closer towards a gradual exit from coronavirus lockdown, attention is turning to exactly how Ballarat will begin to reopen.
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Premier Daniel Andrews announced today households could host five guests and people could start moving more freely around the region.
However, he has still been relatively conservative in easing restrictions.
So, what will this mean for Ballarat?
You might remember the City of Ballarat was at the forefront of early prevention when it shut down a number of its key services in mid-March.
Now, the city can start to plot its first steps towards normality.
People are going to be given more liberty with visiting friends and family in small groups, but for the next few weeks or so, there won't be any major changes occurring.
Ballarat has been remarkably successful in its battle against coronavirus, notching just nine cases to date. This figure has not grown since April 1.
As of May 10, it was confirmed there are no longer any active cases in the city, paving the way towards a potential re-opening of the city.
See below to see how Ballarat plans to emerge from coronavirus lockdown.
HOSPITALITY
For now, there are no changes for Ballarat's hospitality industry.
Rather than allow cafes and restaurants to open with just 10 people allowed at a time, Mr Andrews felt it would be almost impossible for businesses to be able to afford opening under such restrictions.
Take-away food from cafes, restaurants and pubs remains an option and there are many businesses in Ballarat currently doing this.
TOURISM
Visitors are now allowed to enter Ballarat on day trips, but some of our biggest attractions will need to cool their jets for now.
Although the likes of Sovereign Hill, the Ballarat Wildlife Park and Kryal Castle can be optimistic due to being generally outside, they will remain closed.
Hotels and AirBnBs will also remain closed, as will all camping grounds.
SCHOOLS
For now, it is business as usual for Ballarat's schools.
There was no end-date on when learning from home would come to a close, although there were subtle hints it might not last the entire term.
To date, no private Ballarat schools have taken up the federal government's offer of early access to cash by returning to face-to-face learning by June 1.
Students are expected to be able to get back in the classroom by the end of term two, but more details are yet to be revealed.
"We now believe a gradual staged return to face-to-face learning is safe, cautious and appropriate given the testing we have done and the circumstances we face," Mr Andrews said.
SPORT
Local football: There is still no indication on whether the Ballarat or Central Highlands football leagues will have a season in 2020.
Clubs were initially told by Mr Andrews they were able to train in groups of 10, and with no contact, which seemed a far cry short of returning to matches.
However, AFL Victoria soon poured cold water on that idea, saying there were still matters that needed to be worked out before training could resume.
There has not yet been any indication as to when contact sport is allowed to go back. Even if it was approved, it would be up to leagues to determine if they proceeded or not.
Golf: The door is open for golf to resume, in what will be a welcomed move for many.
It won't be golf as you know it, with restrictions on rakes in bunkers and pins on greens expected, but it's better than nothing.
Buninyong will open its course on Wednesday, as will Mt Xavier, while Ballarat is also planning to allow golfers.
All clubs said they would figure out the safest way to open the course.
The Courier tried unsuccessfully to contact Midlands and Creswick would not comment when contacted.
Tennis: Competition tennis doesn't seem to be on the immediate agenda in Ballarat.
Small coaching groups could be the first to resume, but competitions are unable to operate in groups of less than 10.
However, social hits for exercise are now allowed.
COUNCIL
Council facilities will remain closed for the time being - this includes playgrounds, libraries, and the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.
Mayor Ben Taylor said it was unlikely any of the facilities would reopen without further restrictions being lifted - he pointed to the difficulties in sanitising playground equipment as a factor.
Maternal and child health services, Meals and Wheels, and homecare services will continue, but Town Hall's reception will remain closed.
Cr Taylor said many council services would remain available over the phone, including planning applications.
TESTING
Testing for anyone with cold and flu-like symptoms will be centred at Lucas Community Centre.
Ballarat Health Services, in partnership with City of Ballarat and UFS, have tested more than 5000 people with and without symptoms across the city the past two weeks.
There have been no new confirmed cases in Ballarat since April 1.
A pop-up test site for people without symptoms at the Morshead Park soccer stadium and a BHS fever clinic in Sebastopol have closed.
BHS will channel its resources into supporting the UFS-led fever clinic in Lucas. This should allow BHS a chance to step-up its public dental services in Sebastopol.
BHS is continuing to work with the Victorian health department on further changes in testing as needed.
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