In a press conference this morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison upgraded the travel ban on Australians to level four for the entire world in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. This is the first such ban in Australian history.
A human biosecurity emergency has been declared under the Biosecurity Act by the Governor-General.
“The travel advice to every Australian is do not travel abroad. Do not go overseas. That is very clear instruction,” he said. Domestic air travel though will not be cancelled as it is “low risk”.
Scott Morrison said the country will not go into lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the situation will last at least six months.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said non-essential indoor gatherings of persons more than 100 have been now banned.
The health advice is that schools should remain open, Morrison said.
However, to reduce the risk of transmission to aged care residents, visits will be limited to a short duration and will only allow a maximum of two visitors at one time per day.
He criticised (rightly) the panic buying chaos across the nation. ” Stop it. It is not sensible, it is not helpful and I have to say it is has been one of the most disappointing things I have seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis,” he said.
He flagged further economic measures will emerge soon with the government is considering further economic measures that will deal with the impact of the coronavirus on the Australian economy, particularly on small businesses and individuals.
Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said there are about 450 cases of COVID-19 in Australia, with increasing numbers each day. There is only “limited community transmission”.
Australia has completed more than 80,000 tests, with additional supplies being secured.
“Further supplies are being secured and that includes having domestic solutions to the supply issues that relates to the supply issues that relates to the testing equipment.”
