From today, Canberrans can have two visitors under eased COVID-19 lockdown restrictions

Home visits are back (for up to two people). (Unsplash: Marissa Daeger)

While Canberrans eagerly await the planned end of lockdown on October 15, some changes to restrictions come into effect from today.

Two visitors are now allowed in another household, up to five people can gather outside for up to four hours, and all non-essential retail will be allowed to operate click-and-collect or delivery services.

National parks have reopened, dental services can resume, and personal training and outdoor boot camps can recommence, with no more than two people — excluding instructors. 

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said yesterday, while many Canberrans were excited by the prospect of visiting another household, people should not schedule visits to all of their friends just yet.

He said the eased restrictions were not an excuse to "bring 10 people into a household, or four people into a household".

He reminded Canberrans to "be sensible".

Canberrans can now exercise or meet outside for recreational activities for up to four hours. (ABC News: Ian Cutmore)

For example, if you live in a share house and multiple members of your household have an intimate partner, those partners can all visit the home at once, but households should "apply judgment", remembering Canberra is still in lockdown.

Mr Barr yesterday confirmed that very young children also did not count in the two-person limit, and said parents could take their child to visit another household.

"If there's a caring responsibility that would mean that that young child would be left without any supervision, then it is appropriate," he said. 

But if parents have multiple young kids, Mr Barr suggested getting a carer to visit the home, like a grandparent, to look after the children before visiting other friends.

National parks are allowed to reopen under eased restrictions. (ABC News: Tahlia Roy)

From today, non-essential retail stores will also be able to begin click-and-collect services for the first time since this lockdown began, but with only five people allowed in the store — larger businesses may not realistically be able to resume trading.

At IKEA in Canberra, for example, click-and-collect will not be operating.

Instead, a spokeswoman said the Canberra branch would continue assisting their distribution centre to make deliveries.

The ACT's lockdown is due to lift, with further eased restrictions, on October 15.