Australian COVID-19 cases
Currently, Australia has 4,148 cases including 16 deaths.
Public gatherings reduced to two persons
The Prime Minister has unveiled further strict social distancing measures to stop the spread of COVID-19. All public gatherings must now be limited to two people, unless they are in your household. Furthermore, outside gyms, skate parks and public playgrounds will be closed as of today (March 30).
Wedding and funeral restrictions implemented this past week remain. This means weddings are restricted to five people and funerals to 10 people.
Stay at home
Australians are again being urged not to leave their homes except for absolutely necessary reasons, including:
- Shopping for what you need (as infrequently as possible)
- Medical care or compassionate needs
- Exercise (in compliance with the public gathering rules)
- Work and education if you cannot work or learn remotely.
“We feel that it is really important that every Australian does the right thing because for these interventions to take effect, the science shows that you need more than 90 per cent of the population to be doing it all of the time,” Chief Medical Officer Dr Brendan Murphy said.
Australians aged 70+ urged to stay home
The Prime Minister said it is absolutely essential for people over 70 stay at home and self-isolate “to the maximum extent practical”.
“This is for their own protection to limit their interaction with others in the community. They can go outside and be accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting fresh air and recreation but should limit contact with others as much as possible,” he said.
Mr Morrison added that these arrangements should also apply to those with chronic illness, and Indigenous persons over the age of 50.
Telehealth, mental health and domestic violence initiative receive funding
More than $1 billion will be given to telehealth, domestic violence support and mental health services, it was announced. This will also include funding boosts to emergency relief delivered through charities and community organisations.
The Government will provide a bulk billing incentive for GPs providing telehealth consultations and will also receive an incentive payment to ensure practices stay open to provide face-to-face service when necessary.
