Coronavirus containment near, now for the suppression phase

As the PM signals the nation’s tough coronavirus restrictions may have peaked, our Chief Medical Officer has outlined several key points that outline where we need to go from here.

PRIME Minister Scott Morrison has signalled Australia’s tough coronavirus restrictions have peaked, as the country shifts from a containment phase to a suppression phase amid hopeful signs the fight against the virus is working.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said there was early hope in the fight against the virus, as Australians staying at home and keeping their distance had halved coronavirus cases from earlier expectations.

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“We have gone from a 25-30 per cent daily rate of infection growth two weeks ago, to a rate in the low teens a week ago to under 10 per cent in recent days,’’ Mr Hunt said.

“It could spike and there will be difficult days, but the hard work and deep sacrifice of millions of Australians is giving us cause for early hope.

“The signs of a first possible flattening are beginning to consolidate.

“It is still early. There is still a marathon ahead of us, not a sprint.”

The Prime Minister and Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy outlined several key points after another National Cabinet yesterday, including:

● There were 5315 cases in Australia yesterday afternoon and a total of 27 deaths, and the country now had just single-digit-level infection growth;

● The Prime Minister will release national COVID-19 modelling next week;

● The curve was flattening and had the virus kept growing at the same rate it was 12 days ago there would have had more than 10,500 cases in Australia;

● The global one million cases recorded yesterday could be five or 10 times higher;

● Education ministers will work with medical experts on how the rest of the school year will be completed after Easter;

● The Government and stakeholders were working on a mandatory code for commercial tenancies but states had not met Mr Morrison’s deadline of yesterday;

● Families should not go away for the Easter school holidays.

Mr Morrison congratulated Australians on isolation measures but warned the country would remain in the suppression phase for some time.

“That is a tribute to the work that has been done by Australians in getting around and supporting the very sensible measures that have been put in place all around the country by the state and territory governments,” he said.

“We pray (for a shorter suppression phase), but a six-month period should give people a good indication.

“Restrictions will be reviewed regularly, and planning for the medium to long term has begun.”

Mr Morrison reminded people again not to go to the beach.

“Doesn’t matter what the temperature is, if it’s a warm day, don’t go in masses down to the beach,” he said.

“That’s a simple instruction that all Australians expect other Australians to abide by.”

Mr Morrison said the rules around churches had been relaxed slightly to allow them to hold and broadcast Easter services, but congregations will still not be allowed to attend.

Mr Morrison urged people who were self-isolating to register on the COVID-19 app.

Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy said the true number of cases worldwide could be as high as 10 million.

“The only numbers I have total faith in are the Australian numbers, frankly,” he said.