Breakdown of Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison media address on the coronavirus crisis in Australia.
As reported earlier today, Australia was on the path to reach 2,000 confirmed cases today – a milestone as a country you don’t want to hit.
Instead, Australia eclipsed the 2,000 mark and now has over 2,136 confirmed cases.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has met with state leaders to discuss the coronavirus pandemic as the number of cases in Australia exceeds 2,136.
In the last week, Australia has gone from 455 confirmed cases on 17th of March to now 2,136 within the space of a week – an increase of 339%.
Key talking points from Scott Morrison coronavirus update:
I said in the parliament that 2020 for most Australians was going to be their toughest year.
And what we have seen unfold just this week has been demonstrating just that Australians who have lost their jobs, lost hours of work.
Businesses that have been forced to close their businesses. These are heartbreaking events in our nation’s history and story.
Scott Morrison
- Update on closures
- Social activities
- Schools to stay open
- Essential workers to go to work
- Complete shutdown option
Latest updates on closures
Mr Morrison has provided a more detailed and extended list on the strict social distancing mentioned on Sunday to further reduce large gatherings within the community:
- Cafes limited to takeaway, as announced on Sunday
- Food courts in shopping centres will no longer be able to continue, though takeaway can continue
- Auction houses, gathering in auction roomsÂ
- Outdoor and indoor markets will be addressed specifically in individual states and territories
- Beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons, tattoo parlors, day spas
- Cinemas, nightclubs, casinos, gambling venues, adult entertainment venues, concert venues, stadiums also announced on SundayÂ
- Amusement parks and arcadesÂ
- Indoor and outdoor play centresÂ
- Community and recreation centres, health clubs, fitness centres, yoga, barre, spin facilities, saunas, wellness centres, boot camps
- Personal training is limited to a maximum of 10 people with social distancing strictly enforced
- Social, sporting-based activities, swimming pools
- Galleries, museums, national institutions, historic sites, libraries, community centres, nonessential facilities, community facilities such as halls and PCYCs
- Weddings and funerals are subject to social distancing rules
Providing further detail on weddings and funerals Mr Morrison states a maximum of 5 people will be allowed at a wedding and funerals there will be a maximum of 10 people.
Social activities
There will also need to be changes required at your home.
Inviting a large group of family/friends or holding a house-party will be subject to each local government on the specifics to be put in places and offenses for those who breach these rules.
Schools will stay open
Mr Morrison stance of schools staying open continues to stay firm.
“The medical expert advice on schools has not changed. It is safe to send your children to school.”
Though the news has broken today of 2 children aged 4 and 10 being infected by a coronavirus in WA, Dr. Murphy states “We do not see children fit, healthy children as vulnerable people with this virus.”
Perhaps with these 2 new cases, Mr Morrison and his experts could change their stance on schools, however if kids are to stay home to does effect essential workers from going to work.
Essential workers and schools
“For all those workers who need to send their children to school, that’s why the school needs to remain open.” Mr Morrison states.
Mr Morrison sent out a call to arms and encourages Australians to go to work as you are an essential worker.
Mr Morrison says an essential worker is “someone who has a job”. “Everyone who has a job in this economy is an essential worker. Every single job that is being done in our economy with these severe restrictions that are taking place is essential.”
Complete shutdown option
When asked about a complete shutdown Mr Morrison was quick to respond;
“I’m not going to be cavalier about people’s jobs and their businesses where possible. The national cabinet together is going to try and keep Australia functioning in a way that continues to support jobs and activity in our economy, which is not going to compromise the health advice that we’re receiving. And so, no, I don’t think we should rush to that sort of scenario.”
“I think you could rush to failure in that sort of scenario. You could rush to causing great and unnecessary harm.”
“Because understand this. This country is not dealing with one crisis. We’re dealing with two crises. We’re dealing with a health crisis that has caused an economic crisis. And I am very concerned about the economic crisis that could also take a great toll on people’s lives.”
More coronavirus news on SoPerth.com.au:
Latest Perth coronavirus news and advice.
- Rottnest Island Is Being Evacuated
- Perth Coronavirus Clinics: Where To Get Tested In Perth
- 140 Total Cases In WA, New Clinics To Open, Hospitality Shut Down, Schools Remain Open
- What Is Social Distancing? And How Do I Do It?
- What Does It Mean To Go Into Isolation?
Watch: Scott Morrison address the nation
