Coronavirus Australia live updates: NSW imposes new, on the spot $5000 fine

The economic toll of the coronavirus has claimed another victim, with Scott Cam giving up the remainder of his huge taxpayer-funded salary. 

New South Wales Health Minister Brad Hazzard has announced a new on the spot fine of $5000 for anyone who spits or coughs on a health care worker or police officer.

It seems extraordinary that such a measure even needs to exist, but that is the situation Australia finds itself in.

"In my view, what we are seeking to do this afternoon is to send messages to people that I cannot actually believe do what they do," Mr Hazzard said.

"Unfortunately, we have had a series of incidents now where some of the most incredible frontline workers, keeping us safe, have actually had people spitting on them and people coughing on them.

"These frontline workers are caring for us and the simple fact is, we need to care for them, so this on the spot $5000 fine will send a clear message that we are all as one.

"We are telling you to stop it, or you will cop it with a $5000 fine."

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Elsewhere, the economic toll of the virus has claimed another victim, with Scott Cam volunteering to forgo the rest of his $350,000 taxpayer-funded salary as a careers ambassador for the government. The spread of the virus had severely curtailed his already controversial role.

There are now 6109 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia with 2773 in New South Wales, 1228 in Victoria, 953 in Queensland, 421 in South Australia, 495 in Western Australia, 111 in Tasmania, 100 in the Australian Capital Territory and 28 in the Northern Territory .

The death toll has reached 51 after a flurry of fatalities in recent days.

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