Tough new limits on pubs, clubs, restaurants amid growing virus outbreak

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced tough new limits on indoor crowds effective today.

Tough new limits on indoor crowds could be announced today. Picture: National Institutes of Health/AFP

Australians face restrictions on the number of people allowed at hospitality venues as the federal government takes measures to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has addressed the nation after a meeting of national cabinet on Tuesday evening.

He announced a ban on gatherings of 100 people on indoor areas and 500 people on outdoor areas.

“That is effective now, as of today and those arrangements, in terms of the legal enforcement of those measures are being put in place by the states and territories,” Mr Morrison said.

The ban applies to all non-essential gatherings.

Further measures on indoor gatherings of fewer than 100 people are being worked on by the states and territories.

A fair question is what is an essential gathering.

“That’s airport, public transportation which includes public transportation facility stops, buses, trams, these are essential,” Me Morrison said. “Medical and healthcare facilities. Emergency service facilities. Disability or aged care facilities. Correctional facility, youth Justice centres. So supermarkets, grocery store, shopping centre that is necessary for the norm business of the premises. Office buildings factories construction sites, mining sites necessary for the normal operation.”

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The ban will hit social venues, including big restaurants, the hardest. Picture: AAP/James Gourley

The decisions was based on advice from the nation’s chief medical officers.

The tough new limits will impact restaurants, clubs, pubs, parties and weddings.

Late on Tuesday, the Department of Foreign Affairs updated its travel advice to urge all Australians to reconsider their need for overseas travel.

“If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means,” the advice on the Smart Traveller website says.

“As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.”

All people arriving from overseas must self-quarantine for 14 days and cruise ships are barred from Australian ports for at least 30 days.

The federal government has also flagged a second round of economic stimulus measures on top of the $17.6 billion package announced last week.

States have developed their own economic packages to lessen the blow caused by the virus, which is set to crush major industries and hurt workers.

Australians have been encouraged to take steps for social distancing, while non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned. Most schools are already taking precautions, including cancelling excursions and assemblies.

But a number of private schools have independently taken the decision to move to online classes.

More than 450 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across Australia, with 210 in New South Wales, 94 in Victoria, 78 in Queensland, 32 in South Australia, 28 in Western Australia, seven in Tasmania, two in the ACT and one in the Northern Territory.

Five people have died, with one death in Western Australia, three deaths in New South Wales, and one death in Queensland.