Updated

Mass gatherings stopped on doctors orders

Andrew Tillett and Tom McIlroy

Mar 13, 2020 – 2.58pm

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Mass gatherings of more than 500 people will be banned from Monday, Australians warned to reconsider all non-essential overseas travel, and the Prime Minister and premiers have formed a new national cabinet as part of the escalating coronavirus crisis response.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the new ban on non-essential and organised gatherings on Friday, following a meeting with state premiers and advice from the Commonwealth's Chief Medical Officer, Brendan Murphy.

Andrew Tillett writes on politics, foreign affairs, defence and security from the Canberra press gallery.

Tom McIlroy is the Financial Review’s Canberra bureau chief based in the press gallery at Parliament House. He was previously the AFR’s political correspondent.