How planet’s coping NEW ZEALAND ITALY CHINA CANADA TURKEY

THE closure of schools, restriction of public transport and cancellation of weddings could soon be on the cards for Australia if residents fail to take the nation’s new rules – imposed to prevent the spread of the coronavirus – seriously.

If there is a nation to follow, Australia could soon mirror New Zealand or the UK. These are the tough new restrictions in place around the world:

PRIME Minister Jacinda Ardern on Monday notified the nation of having just 48 hours to prepare for the closure of schools, businesses and community services to stop the spread of the coronavirus. As part of New Zealand’s newest alert level-four restrictions, residents are required to stay at home; schools, universities and non-essential businesses will be closed, and public transport and air travel will be used only for essential services.

This is a step up from the nation’s alert-level three, which required affected educational facilities to close, along with public venues and some non-essential businesses, and mass gatherings to be cancelled.

NEW Zealand’s restrictions mirror Italy’s lockdown measures, which outline a nationwide lockdown and police charging citizens who flout the rules. Public gatherings are banned, parks and beaches are shut, sporting events are suspended, and schools and universities are closed.

Joggers have also been advised to only stick to running around the block when exercising.

Shoppers are required to wait in socially distanced queues to go to the supermarket as well.

Police began mobilising drones on Monday to enforce restrictions on citizens’ movements.

Officials said yesterday the virus had claimed more than 600 more lives, down from 793 two days earlier.

The outbreak has killed more than 6000 – the highest death toll of any country outside of China.

WUHAN, where the outbreak emerged late last year, is allowing residents limited movement as its lockdown is gradually relaxed.

China is now sending planeloads of protective gear and doctors to Europe.

It imposed a 14-day quarantine for overseas visitors, strict social-distancing for anybody in the country, the public monitoring of citizens and punishments for infringements. China’s quarantine spanned at least 20 provinces and regions at its peak, according to The Wall Street Journal.

PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau says his Government is deferring tax payments until

August, providing a wage subsidy for small business and pausing student loan payments amid the pandemic amid the coronavirus pandemic. Mr Trudeau says the Government is focused on making sure Canadians have the money they need to support their families, buy groceries and pay the rent. Mr Trudeau has also said: “Enough is enough. Go home and stay home.”

THE nation is sealing its land and rail border crossings with Greece and Bulgaria as part of its efforts to contain the new coronavirus outbreak.

Ferry crossings between Turkey and Greece have also been suspended.