PM calls on Aussies to rally to the cause

LIFE as we know it in Australia has changed for the next six months or more, with bans on mass gatherings, restrictions on aged care visits, no more overseas travel and more restrictions to come.

Laws could be enacted to stop hoarding if people don’t rein in behaviour, with Prime Minister Scott Morrison issuing a blunt warning: Stop it.

A wartime spirit is being called on for Australians to make it through the devastating social and economic period ahead.

The Health Minister also has been granted extraordinary powers to issue legally enforceable orders on people or areas to help limit the spread of the virus, with people facing five years’ jail or $63,000 fines if they ignore them.

Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy clearly warned a brief shutdown would not work and that the virus would continue to spread unless drastic measures were taken over the next six months.

Effective immediately, there are to be no non-essential gatherings indoors of more than 100 people, or 500 people outdoors; and no travel overseas; while severe restrictions will be put on aged care visitation and Anzac Day ceremonies have been cancelled.

Domestic travel remains open for now, public transport will continue to operate and schools will also remain open due to the fact children remain largely unaffected by the virus and only have mild symptoms if infected.

Basic social interactions will have to change, with handshakes and hugs now urged to stop outside family members. People are being urged to keep 1.5m from each other where possible. The measures will be in place for six months, with Professor Murphy explaining a two-week shutdown simply would not work.

“There is no way that we can lock down society, make everyone stay home, and then in a month’s time undo that because the virus will just flare up again without any real longterm benefit,” he said.

Mr Morrison called for an end to the “unaustralian” stockpiling, which had left shopping market shelves bare.

“Stop hoarding. I can’t be more blunt about it. Stop it. It’s been one of the most disappointing things I’ve seen in Australian behaviour in response to this crisis,” he said.

“There is no reason for people to be hoarding supplies in fear of a lockdown or anything like this.”

The mass gathering ban for indoor venues will apply to anything considered non-essential, including clubs, pubs, restaurants, as well as churches and other places of worship, with the State Government developing laws for its legal enforcement.

The ban will not apply to offices, workplaces, construction sites and civic buildings like parliaments and courts.

Shopping centres, retail stores and hospitals, hotels and public transport also are exempt to help keep the country running through the crisis.

Australians have been told not to travel anywhere internationally.

Mr Morrison said he was aware of the gravity of the measures being implemented but that they were needed for Australia to get through this.