Number of cases past 2,000 and PM announces more shutdowns in Australia

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has effectively placed the country into near-total social shutdown, announcing sweeping new measures to battle the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 2,000 cases of coronavirus have now been diagnosed in Australia with health authorities warning some states are now at a “critical” stage.

From midnight on Wednesday (25th March) , existing restrictions will be extended to include:

• Food courts inside shopping centres - however, take-away will be allowed
• Auction houses
• Real estate auctions and open house inspections
• Outdoor and indoor markets - excluding food markets
• Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, massage and tattoo parlours
• Amusement parks and arcades
• Play centres, both indoor and outdoor
• Community and recreation centres
• Personal training will be limited to 10 people, with social distancing strictly enforced
• Social and sporting-based activities, involving large groups
• Galleries, museums, libraries and community facilities
• Community clubs, halls and RSLs
• Weddings are restricted to couples, the celebrant and witnesses (no more than five people)
• Funerals have been restricted to no more than 10 people

However, he insisted it was safe to send children to school, which he said the governments agreed would reopen after the term break.

Prime Minister also announced Travel Ban for Australians.  "No one should be getting on a plane and going overseas," the Prime Minister says. Exceptions will be made for aid workers and for compassionate, employment and other essential travel. 

Prime Minister has urged Australians to stay home except for essential trips. Mr Morrison told Australians to stop gathering in groups and avoid "social interactions which are not considered necessary". This include restrictions on House parties.