Coronavirus Australia live updates: Prepare for COVID-19 lockdowns, Scott Morrison warns
Indoor gatherings must now provide four square metres of space per person as the PM announces the budget will be delayed | WATCH
- Tougher restrictions on indoor gatherings
- Prepare for virus lockdowns
- Budget delayed until October
- NAPLAN axed for 2020
- Seventh Aussie dies
Hello and welcome to The Australian's live coverage of the coronavirus pandemic. Indoor gatherings must now provide four square metres of space per person as Scott Morrison considers powers to lock down areas with coronavirus outbreaks. The federal budget, meanwhile, will be delayed until October.
Angelica Snowden 11.10pm Easy disembarkment scares cruise passenger
A passenger onboard the Ruby Princess said holiday-makers were told their disembarkation in Sydney would be delayed due to health checks, but everyone left the ship on time without authorities even conducting temperature tests.
Sam Haaring’s holiday with his partner was hijacked by the coronavirus pandemic after three passengers and one crew member tested positive to COVID-19 on the Ruby Princess.
“We were very shocked and slightly scared that it was so easy to get off the ship,” Mr Haaring said.
“We proceeded down the gangway, handed our incoming passenger form to a man standing head-to-toe in protective gear,” he said.
“He checked our forms and noted that we weren’t declaring anything and we walked straight through and out into circular quay.”
Mr Haaring said passengers thought they would not be able to leave the ship until midday, but everyone disembarked about 8.30am.
He said they were all told to self-isolate for two weeks and immediately inform health authorities if they felt unwell.
“We had no idea anything was happening, and as far as we knew when we got off, everyone was fine and nobody had the virus,” Mr Haaring said.
“We should have been informed as soon as they knew there was suspected cases. I’m sure it was done to avoid panic but they (NSW Health) really dropped the ball on this one,” he said.
“There are now masses of people on social media condemning us for getting off the ship.”
Mr Haaring and his partner have not reported any COVID-19 symptoms.
Angelica Snowden 10.05pm Borders closed to foreigners
Australia’s borders are now closed to foreigners.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s ban on overseas visitors came into effect at 9pm (AEDT) on Friday.
Two flights were scheduled to land after the deadline in Sydney — one from Port Moresby and another from Dubai.
Three flights were expected from Hong Kong and another three from New Zealand in Melbourne.
The Prime Minister said the measure was needed to stem the number of imported COVID-19 cases.
Mr Morrison said he was in talks with Qantas “to keep flights open for a period of time so Australians can make their way back.”
Angelica Snowden 9.30pm Olympic flame arrives in Japan
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic flame arrived in Japan on Friday, with the 121-day torch relay around the country set to go ahead despite the coronavirus pandemic.
The flame arrived in the special “Tokyo 2020 Go” aircraft about 10am (12pm, AEDT) at the Matushima Air Base, a prefecture in the north east of Japan.
Japan has had 963 domestically transmitted cases and 33 deaths, according to public broadcaster NHK. That does not include more than 700 cases and seven deaths from a cruise ship moored near Tokyo last month.
Tokyo 2020 president Mori Yoshito and Japanese Olympic Committee president Yamashita Yasuhiro received the torch.
The relay will start next Thursday after the flame departs from a sports training centre in Fukushima, Mr Mori said.
“The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee will continue to work closely with the IOC, the Japanese government and Tokyo metropolitan government to ensure that we will have a safe Games,” Mr Mori said.
The Japanese government remains committed to holding the Olympics as planned in July.
Additional reporting: Reuters
Paige Taylor 6.30pm Help for indigenous to return home
About 250 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have been helped to get home from Darwin to their remote communities as part of the federal government’s efforts to protect the most vulnerable Australians from COVID-19.
Indigenous Australians Minister Ken Wyatt said the federal government’s decision to use biosecurity laws to effectively lock down remote Aboriginal communities across the nation brought uniform protections to every state and territory.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday that the federal laws would be used to ensure that the only people who moved in and out of remote indigenous communities were essential workers. Residents could leave for medical treatment.
The Australian understands that indigenous people coming home to remote communities from bigger towns such as Broome in the far north of Western Australia will be subject to 14 days self-isolation before they can move freely in the community.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people had rates of comorbity that made them especially vulnerable to the new coronavirus, Mr Wyatt said.
“If they had coronavirus, it is going to impact them in a greater way,” he said.
Mr Wyatt said he understood many people were concerned that if the virus got into indigenous communities it could claim the lives of the most senior law men, people who maintained customs and traditions and internationally-renowned artists.
“We would lose living history … they are the teachers in their communities and we can’t afford to lose them,” he said.
The Morrison government enacted the biosecurity laws after talking to state and the Northern Territory governments and after many communities responded to the coronavirus pandemic by using their own by-laws to keep most visitors out.
Mr Wyatt urged indigenous people from remote communities to stay there.
“In the community you are less likely to get the virus,” he said.
READ MORE: Jokowi resists Jakarta shutdown
Yoni Bashan 6.15pm NSW to delay budget
The NSW government has confirmed it will postpone the state budget until at least October in line with the federal government’s decision to do the same because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
A decision to delay the NSW budget was made late on Friday afternoon, with a formal announcement still to come, The Australian has learned.
A government official confirmed the budget will most likely be handed down in the weeks after the federal budget is delivered on October 6.
Queensland announced it was cancelling its budget on Friday. The state faces an election on October 31, and Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has said delivering a budget within that timeframe may not be feasible.
READ MORE: What Morrison can learn from Kennett’s response to the 1991 recession
Nicola Berkovic 6.40pm Dentists told to restrict procedures
Victoria has told its public dentists to dramatically restrict the types of procedures they perform to limit the spread of coronavirus.
The move comes as the Australian Dental Association warns a severe shortage of masks means private dentists nationwide could be forced to shut their doors.
The government recently announced an extra 100,000 face masks for the sector — but this is less than a day’s supply.
Dentists use about 9.5 million masks a month, according to the ADA. It says gloves and antibacterial products are also in limited supply.
ADA deputy chief executive Eithne Irving said dentists were not restricting themselves to emergency treatment and were hoping to secure more masks.
It is understood the federal government views dental services as essential and expects practices to continue operating.
Ms Irving said dentists had always been careful with infection control, so it was safe to continue visiting them. They were trying to use supplies more efficiently by, for example, completing a patient’s treatment in one appointment instead of two, and were screening patients for temperatures before seeing them.
However, Victorian health authorities have told the state’s public dentists they should avoid using equipment that produces droplets or aerosols, such as ultrasonic scalers, to reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus.
Dental experts told The Australian this would significantly curtail the types of procedures they could perform. For example, it would be difficult to extract an adult’s tooth without the equipment.
A spokesperson for the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services said: “These are unprecedented times and like all health services, pandemic planning is underway for our public dental sector.
“Dental Health Services Victoria is taking all necessary precautions to deliver public dental services and ensure the safety of staff, patients and the public.”
NSW southern highlands dentist Patrick Meaney, an ADA federal councillor, said he had seen only a small decline of about 10 per cent in his practice.
Dentists in some overseas locations, such as California, have been urged only to see urgent and emergency care patients.
A spokeswoman for NSW Health said public dental services in the state had not been interrupted.
READ MORE: Race to find Ruby Princess passengers after coronavirus outbreak
David Murray 6.20pm Call to free prisoners to prevent jail outbreak
More than 370 lawyers, academics and other legal experts have signed a letter calling for the early release of elderly, young and minor offenders due to the risk of an “uncontrollable” coronavirus outbreak in Australian prisons and youth detention centres.
The open letter to state and territory governments calls for urgent reforms to protect the prison population, warning it is a matter of time before an outbreak in jails that would flow on to the general population.
It was co-ordinated by Professor Thalia Anthony from the University of Technology Sydney and Professor Lorana Bartels from The Australian National University.
“We the undersigned are seeking your immediate action to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 in the Australian criminal justice system, especially prisons and youth detention centres,” the letter states.
“We know that COVID-19 spreads quickly in closed spaces and prisons are commonly epicentres for infectious diseases.
“This is particularly a concern where there is overcrowding, with most Australian prisons operating at over 100 per cent of their design capacity.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) has identified overcrowding as a structural problem that contributes to the spread of infections in prisons.”
The letter warns that many incarcerated people also have chronic conditions, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and asthma, making them vulnerable to more severe forms of COVID-19
“Research on other diseases, such as tuberculosis (TB) and hepatitis, shows rates of infection among incarcerated populations are up to 100 times higher than outside of prisons. “It is only a matter of time before COVID-19 breaks out in our prisons and youth detention centres. This will then have a substantial flow-on effect to the community, including community health services.
“People are continually churning in and out of prisons and then being released to their communities. Significantly, 77 per cent of people entering and 33 per cent of people in prison are unsentenced and 30 per cent of sentenced prisoners are expected to serve less than 12 months.
“Failing to deal with COVID-19 in the criminal justice system will also have a disproportionate effect on vulnerable populations over-represented in prisons, namely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people from low socio-economic backgrounds; people experiencing homelessness; and people with disabilities.”
International measures had included Iran’s release of 85,000 prisoners, Ireland’s proposal to release prisoners with less than 12 months to serve and the proposed release of high-risk inmates from Rikers Island and elsewhere in the US and Britain.
The letter calls for Australian governments to urgently:
● Ensure prisoners are informed on the status of COVID-19 and their rights;
● Support bail and non-custodial penalties for all defendants who do not present a very high risk that cannot be managed in the community (for example, through electronic monitoring), noting that stringent restrictions on daily movement are likely in any event;
● Legislate to require bail and sentencing courts to consider the risk that the pandemic will present to the prisoner and their community upon release, with a view to promoting community-based options;
● Facilitate remote supervision of bail and community corrections;
● Provide additional support to victims, noting the likely increased risk of family violence for those in home quarantine conditions.
READ MORE: How Morrison can learn from Kennett’s response to the 1991 recession
Amos Aikman 5.47pm: Third COVID-19 case in Northern Territory
The Northern Territory has recorded its third positive case of COVID-19, its second for the day. The government agency managing the crisis announced late on Friday that a 21-year-old woman recently arrived in Darwin had the disease.
The woman travelled from Utah to San Francisco and on to Brisbane, before arriving into Darwin on Flight QF824 at midday on 19 March 2020.
She went into self-isolation immediately and was later tested at a pandemic clinic after developing a sore throat and a cough. She was then move into isolation at Royal Darwin Hospital.
The news comes after Health Minister Natasha Fyles announced that a Darwin man in his 30s tested positive for the virus after he travelled to Darwin from Zagreb via Istanbul and Denpasar, arriving on Flight JQ82 at 5:00am on 19 March.
The man also self-isolated before testing positive at the same pandemic clinic and being moved into isolation at RDH.
The two additional cases of coronavirus in the NT brings the total to three.
READ MORE: Gunner mulls Northern Territory-wide coronavirus quarantine plan
Mackenzie Scott 5.25pm: ‘Pause repayments for landlords helping out tenants’
The Real Estate Institute of Australia has called on the banks to pause mortgage repayments for landlords whose tenants are no longer able to pay rent.
REIA president Adrian Kelly told The Australian he is in the process of contacting federal Housing Minister, Michael Sukkar, and the larger banks and financial institutions to place a short term halt on mortgage repayments if tenants are unable to pay their rent due to a COVID-19 diagnosis, self-isolation or job loss. He said the move would help relieve the stress and anxiety many tenants and landlords are feeling across the country.
“We have a responsibility and a duty of care to look after the interests of both our tenants and also that of our property owners,” Mr Kelly said in an open letter to tenants.
“Under normal circumstances if a tenant can no longer afford to pay their rent, we undertake the process of eviction. However in these times of the coronavirus pandemic, we are in uncharted waters.
“A larger problem on the horizon is in the case of a property owner who cannot afford to make mortgage repayments because their tenant can’t pay their rent.”
Mr Kelly, whose own partner is being let go from Qantas today, said he hoped to remove some of the fear many tenants who are living pay cheque to pay cheque are feeling.
Property investors around the country are already hurting from coronavirus restrictions. Particularly in Melbourne and Sydney, those renting to overseas students are missing out on rental income from those still locked out of the country.
An estimated eight million Australians are currently renting more than three million homes across the country.
READ MORE: Home prices to drop 20pc if unemployment spikes: AMP Capital
Sarah Elks 5.05pm: Pre-election Queensland budget in doubt
The Queensland government may not deliver a budget ahead of the October 31 state election, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the April 28 budget would be cancelled and said she could not say whether it would be rescheduled before the planned state election.
Ms Palaszczuk said Treasurer Jackie Trad was preparing a fresh stimulus package for Queenslanders to be released within weeks, with a focus on household expenses.
Queensland has had 40 new confirmed cases overnight, taking the state’s total to 184, with the rate of infection increasing, according to Chief Health Officer Jeannette Young.
READ MORE: Three wise men crack the code
Ewin Hannan 4.50pm: Unions call for minimum wage rise
Unions have called for a $30 a week increase in the national minimum wage this year despite the economic impact of the coranavirus pandemic.
In a submission to the Fair Work Commission on Friday, the ACTU has asked for a four per cent rise from July 1 for 2.4 million minimum wage and award reliant workers.
If granted, the national minimum wage would increase $740.80 to $770.43 per week. The percentage claim translates into weekly increases of between $29.63 and $46.66 for award reliant workers.
The timing of the minimum wage review has been thrown into uncertainty given the unfolding economic crisis, and Fair Work president Iain Ross has twice delayed the deadline for initial submissions which are now not due until next Friday.
In its submission, the ACTU insisted the “current situation and the uncertainty surrounding how it progresses should not be a deterrent to an increase in the minimum wage and awards”.
“On the contrary the minimum wage increase would both provide a stimulus and offer some long term certainty in regard to income flows, especially for the low paid,” it said.
“The ACTU notes that the government model of offering stimulus tranches is a recognition that stimulus works.
“Offering a decent minimum wage increase is particularly efficient in this regard as it both serves the current circumstance and offers better security of income in future.
“It delivers income particularly to lower paid workers who will spend it all. It improves sales for business. It improves employment.“
READ MORE: ASX clocks 13pc weekly drop
David Ross 3.59pm: Two new cases in ACT
A man in his 70s and a man in his 50s have both been confirmed as two new cases of COVID-19 in the ACT.
Both men recently arrived in the ACT from overseas and are now isolating with ACT Health support.
The man in his 70s travelled from the Netherlands via Abu Dhabi and arrived in Sydney on March 17. He then flew to Canberra arriving on March 18.
It is unclear at this stage where the man in his 50s arrived from.
READ MORE: Australia ‘on track to mirror Europe’
Ewin Hannan 3.42pm: Face-to-face meetings suspended for job seekers
Mutual obligation requirements for the unemployed have been eased, with the overnment suspending the need for job seekers to have face to face meetings with job service providers during the coranavirus pandemic.
Job Plans will be adjusted to a default requirement of four job searches a month - or fewer, at provider discretion - to reflect the worsened labour market conditions.
Work for The Dole programs unable to be done online have been suspended and Jobs Fairs postponed.
Employment Minister Michaelia Cash said job seekers would have the option to request face to face meetings with job service providers instead be conducted over the phone or via an online channel such as Skype.
Job seekers will still have to maintain weekly contact with providers but the government said the new arrangements reflected the desire to be more flexible during “this challenging period”.
She said job seekers would be able to complete activities such as online training, creating job plans, writing a CV and preparing job applications online.
Job seekers will still be required to attend any scheduled job interviews and take up offers of suitable work, with existing compliance penalties applied where this does not occur.
Job service providers will be required to perform new risk assessments for a range of activities like Youth Jobs PaTH internships.
But Senator Cash said mutual obligations would remain in place for as long as compatible with the advice of health authorities.
“These changes prioritise the welfare of job seekers but will also help keep those out of work actively engaged and supported to take up critical jobs in demand now, and when the economy recovers,” she said.
”These changes will ensure people who are out of work can reliably receive income support and are safely engaged and supported to get a job, whilst supporting employers’ to protect their workforce and viability.
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment will also write to employment services CEOs to outline the critical role providers will play in the weeks and months ahead to ensure workforce demands can be met where required.
Minister Cash said continuing mutual obligations under “significantly more flexible” arrangements strikes the balance between ensuring Australians were kept safe and keeping jobseekers and engaged with the labour market and ready for work.
READ MORE: Unions slam Woodside Energy
Yoni Bashan 3.35pm: Race to find Ruby Princess passengers
NSW Health officials are urgently attempting to contact 2700 passengers who disembarked from a cruise ship in Sydney on Thursday, after testing of more than a dozen people on board with flu-like symptoms returned positive for three cases of COVID-19.
NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard released details of these efforts on Friday, along with updated data showing an uptick of 75 cases of the coronavirus overnight, the steepest one-day increase in NSW since testing began.
The state has recorded almost daily increases of the virus — 37, 39, 50 and 40 cases, respectively – since Monday. The total number of people with COVID-19 now stands at 382 in NSW, officials said.
READ MORE: Virus outbreak on cruise that docked in Sydney
David Swan 3.29pm: Netflix ‘to reduce the quality of its streams’
Netflix is in talks to reduce the quality of its streams in Australia, as the NBN continues to be squeezed by skyrocketing usage due to the coronavirus epidemic.
The Australian can confirm that the US streaming giant has had discussions with the government and internet service providers including Telstra about limiting the quality – and therefore internet traffic – of Netflix shows and movies.
If implemented, the move will mean streaming quality will be limited to standard definition, rather than high definition or 4K, for all users.
Watching high definition films and shows on Netflix uses about 3GB of data per hour - three times more than standard definition – and it’s estimated that streaming services including Netflix account for between 70 and 80 per cent of Australian internet traffic during peak times.
NBN usage was up by about 5 per cent last week, a figure that’s set to soar as Australians across the country work and study from home.
The plans follow a similar move in Europe, announced overnight, which Netflix said should reduce its traffic there by around 25 per cent.
READ MORE: Coronavirus boosts demands on NBN
David Ross 3.18pm: Victorian police officer tests positive
A Victoria Police officer has tested positive to COVID-19 after coming into contact with someone with the virus on Tuesday.
The officer, based at Ringwood police station, was put in self-isolation on Tuesday and his police station shut down to be professionally cleaned.
The police officer had returned to work on Tuesday after a period of annual leave, but was told on the same day he had come into contact with someone who had picked up the virus during this time off.
Two other police members who had close contact with the infected officer are now in self-isolation.
READ MORE: Police health fears trigger call for guidance
Richard Ferguson 3.05pm: Assistance for renters amid downturn
Scott Morrison and the National Cabinet have agreed to help renters hurt by the coronavirus downturn.
States and territories will review their respective tenancy laws to ensure there are tougher protections for renters, as Scott Morrison warned landlords they would have to make sacrifices.
“Work will be done by the states and territories, as it is a state and territory matter ... to bring back some model rules that can be applied in hardship cases,” the Prime Minister said.
“So understanding what the trigger might be and how in those circumstances the tenants
would be able to maintain their tenancies.
“Now, I know that will mean something for landlords, just as the decision taken today means something for banks, just like the decisions we have already taken as a Commonwealth government means things for our balance sheets, and as a people, for the Commonwealth government, as it does for the states.”
READ MORE: Scentre Group flags rent relief to mall retailers
Richard Ferguson 2.40pm: Plan to lock down areas if needed
Scott Morrison and the National Cabinet will consider powers to lock down areas with coronavirus outbreaks and restrictions on domestic travel next week.
The chief medical officers will advise the Prime Minister and Premiers on Tuesday how parts of cities could be locked down and whether domestic travel advice needs to change before school holidays.
“We’ll be tasking to the expert medical panel about what we call localised responses,” Mr Morrison said.
“There will be, as we have already seen, parts of cities or places that will be more susceptible because of quite localised outbreaks.
“What we’ve asked for advice on is the density of those cases, how many cases in a particular area, that triggers actions over and above what these general rules that apply to those areas, and that would be staged up according to the level of that outbreak and what needs to be done wherever possible to shut that down.”
READ MORE: Don’t wait for the elderly, at-risk lockdown
Richard Ferguson 2.34pm: $445m boost for aged care sector
Scott Morrison will pump a further $445 million into the aged care sector to protect Australians most vulnerable from coronavirus.
Nearly $235m will go towards keeping the aged care sector will staffed and there will be extra funds to support aged care home support.
“We are providing $444.6 million of additional funding from the Commonwealth to support aged care facilities. Now, that is on top of the more than $100 million that I announced last week in relation to workforce support across the country for aged care,” the Prime Minister said.
“That includes $234.9 million for a retention bonus to ensure the continuity of the workforce for staff in both residential and home care.
“There is a $78.3 million in additional funding for residential care to support continuity of workforce supply. There is $26.9 million to supplement the viability of residential aged care facilities, including for national tourist trade under aged care program and the multipurpose services and homeless providers.
“There is $92 million being provided in additional support for home care providers and organisations which deliver the Commonwealth home support program, including for services such as meals on wheels, and $12.3 million to support the mire aged care service to respond to the needs of older Australians.”
READ MORE: Visitor controls to limit nursing home coronavirus risks
Richard Ferguson 2.30pm: Tougher restrictions for indoor gatherings
Indoor gatherings must now provide four square metres of space per person to fight the spread of coronavirus.
Scott Morrison in Canberra said the rules - decided by the National Cabinet - come on top of the earlier decision to ban enclosed gatherings of over 100 people.
“What we are now moving to is an arrangement for gatherings of less than 100, is that they would be four square metres provided per person in an enclosed space, in a room. So that’s 2m by 2m,” the Prime Minister said.
“So for example, if you’ve got a room, if you’ve got a premises, if you’ve got a meeting room or something like that, that’s 100 square metres, then you can have 25 people in that room.
“Now, in addition to that, you should continue to practise wherever possible the 1m or 1.5m of healthy distance between each of us, to ensure that we are limiting the contact and limiting the potential for the spread of the virus. Now, these are quite practical rules.”
READ MORE: Stop hoarding or risk rationing
Richard Ferguson 2.27pm: Budget delayed until October
The Federal Budget will be delayed until October 6 because of coronavirus, Scott Morrison have revealed.
The Prime Minister said the coronavirus crisis made it near impossible to create proper Budget forecasts and all states and territories will also reschedule their budgets.
“Putting budgets together at this time, with the great uncertainty that exists, is not something that any Commonwealth or state government should be doing.” he said in Canberra.
“As a result, we have already decided that we will not be handing down a udget until the first Tuesday in October, on the 6th of October.
“All other states and territories will be working to similar timetables. The idea that you can actually put together any sort of forecast around the economy at this time is simply not sensible.
“And, as a result, we will be putting in place the necessary measures, with the support of the parliament, on supply and other continuances to ensure the proper functioning of government services and the continuation of vital programs.”
READ MORE: Kelly: No quick fix for virus
Ewin Hannan 2.24pm: ‘Brutal act of industrial bastardry’
Unions have accused gas giant Woodside of committing a “brutal act of industrial bastardry” by standing down more than 400 contractors without pay “of any kind”.
The Offshore Alliance of the Australian Workers Union and the Maritime Union of Australia said workers from Woodside’s Goodwyn and North Rankin platforms, along with Woodside floating production storage and offloading units, had been summarily stood down without pay.
The alliance said Woodside’s approach stood in contrast to Shell and INPEX, both of whom consulted with employees to minimise the impact of COVID-19 measures by providing additional flexibility and special payments.
AWU national secretary Daniel Walton said the alliance would fight “tooth and nail” to get Woodside to the table.
“Today’s decision by Woodside is maybe the most heartless corporate response we’ve seen to the COVID-19 crisis to date,” Mr Walton said.
“To just bring down the axe on 400 workers without a whisper of consultation, or the suggestion of special arrangements, is unconscionable.
“This is a company that announced a $1.3 billion dollar profit in 2018. There is zero need for them to treat their offshore workers this callously.
Comment has been sought from Woodside.
READ MORE: Pain hits labour force
2.14pm: Positive tests for cruise passengers who returned to Sydney
Three people on a cruise ship that visited New Zealand before returning to Sydney have come down with coronavirus, prompting pleas for all 3800 people on board to go into self-isolation for a fortnight.
An additional passenger is also very unwell in Tasmania and likely to have the virus.
The Princess Cruises-operated Ruby Princess ship returned to Sydney on Thursday with 1100 crew and 2700 passengers on board.
Doctors tested 13 unwell patients for COVID-19, with three found to have the virus. One person who tested positive was a crew member.
“Two of the three positive results were people who were passengers on board the ship,” NSW Health Minister Brad Hazzard told reporters on Friday.
“One of those passengers was not at all well, and was taken off the ship and has been taken to a hospital here in Sydney, and is being cared for. That particular passenger, now patient, is not particularly well.”
Mr Hazzard said another passenger had since travelled to Tasmania and was now being cared for in that state’s healthcare system.
He said it was possible that other people on board now had COVID-19 and all people on board now needed to self-isolate for 14 days.
AAP
READ MORE: Ban forces passengers off ships
Mark Schliebs 2.05pm: Gumtree bans toilet paper listings
Online marketplace Gumtree will ban all listings for toilet paper, hand sanitiser and other sought-after goods - which have been advertised for sale at heavily marked-up prices.
A day after Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton vowed to go after hoarders buying up goods to sell overseas or on the “black market”, Gumtree announced the temporary ban and a change of its policies.
“As a community marketplace, demonstrating respect and sensitivity to our users is of huge importance to us,” Gumtree said in a statement.
“To curb pricing practices that run counter to the community-minded spirit of Gumtree, from Friday 20 March, Gumtree will temporarily ban listings for health care masks, including N95/N100 and surgical masks, hand sanitiser/gel, disinfecting wipes and toilet paper.
“Gumtree operates a report and take down process and we encourage users to use the ‘Report Ad’ function to flag any concerning ads that breach our policies, terms of use, or believed to be unlawful.”
READ MORE: Meat the new field of panic buying
Richard Ferguson 1.44pm: Parliament to sit for one day
The House of Representatives is set to meet for only one day next week, as a skeleton parliament convenes on Monday to pass the government’s economic response to the coronavirus crisis.
Only 90 MPs will come to Canberra to pass legislation in the lower house. MPs from remote areas and above a certain age are being asked to stay home.
The Senate may sit for longer, but it is also expected to work on a truncated timeline as most of the upper house crossbench will remain home.
READ MORE: Parliament-lite call
Anne Barrowclough 1.30pm: California in statewide lockdown
All 40 million residents of California have been ordered to stay at home as the governor ordered a statewide lockdown.
The shutdown of the most populous state in the US goes into effect “this evening,” declared Governor Gavin Newsom.
CA is issuing a statewide, mandatory STAY AT HOME order.
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 20, 2020
Those that work in critical sectors should go to work. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and more will stay open.
We need to meet this moment and flatten the curve together.
Go to https://t.co/xtXFwVeWc2 to learn more.
“There is a mutuality, there is a recognition of our interdependence, that requires of this moment that we direct a statewide order for people to stay at home,” he said.
Critical workers could keep working while groceries, pharmacies and banks would stay open, he tweeted.
“Let’s flatten the curve together,” Mr Newsom said.
Greg Brown 1.20pm: Labor could propose stimulus amendments
Anthony Albanese says Labor could propose amendments to the government’s stimulus package when parliament meets next week
“Next week in the parliament we will be supportive of any measures in terms of economic stimulus. We’ve received some of the legislation from the stimulus announcement last night,” the Opposition Leader said.
“We’re working our way through that. It may well be that we have constructive suggestions to improve that legislation. We await the government providing us with the legislation for the further stimulus that it has foreshadowed but not yet announced.
“We say that we need to go through our processes. We want to make a difference to people’s lives and the best way we can do that is by adding constructive suggestions to government proposals.”
Mr Albanese said Labor remained concerned about the impact of the crisis on casual workers.
“While people are concerned, quite rightly, about businesses, in many cases that hasn’t flowed through to a concern about workers,” Mr Albanese said.
“And we are concerned that many workers are feeling very anxious at the current time.”
READ MORE: Let’s get the bills passed, Anthony Albanese tells Scott Morrison
Ewin Hannan 1.17pm: Combet appointed special COVID-19 workplace adviser
Former ACTU secretary and ex-Labor Minister Greg Combet has been appointed a special adviser to the Morrison government on the impacts of the coronavirus on Australian workplaces.
Industrial Relations Minister Christian Porter said Mr Combet would provide him with strategic and policy advice and engage directly with business and union leaders.
“Greg Combet’s expertise will be invaluable as the Government works to assist employees affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” Mr Porter said.
”Mr Combet has the respect of both union and business leaders and will play an important role in assisting the overnment as it develops policy responses to assist employees through this challenging time.”
Mr Combet, who will be engaged on a part-time basis, attended a meeting of union and employer representatives chaired by Mr Porter in Sydney on Friday.
”The coronavirus pandemic will directly affect the jobs of many employees,” he said. “The Government has taken some preliminary measures in the social safety net to help those people who lose their employment as a result of the coronavirus.”
He said the overnment was developing further responses to this rapidly escalating situation and Mr Combet’s background, insight and expertise would be invaluable, not only to the government but to all those directly affected.
“I have asked Mr Combet to focus on engaging across employee and employer groups to ensure that all leaders are working together and cooperatively so that, together, we do all we can to provide every possible support during this time,” he said
”I was very encouraged by the cooperation shown during today’s meeting. This is new territory for us all. The willingness to work together augurs well for all parties to continue working closely and cooperatively as we move through this unprecedented situation.“
READ MORE: ‘Unholy alliance’ pushes Premier on jobs
Greg Brown 1.16pm: Labor backs banks’ move
Labor endorsed the move by the major banks to defer loan repayments for six months to small businesses struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
Anthony Albanese said he welcomed the announcement on Friday from the Australian Banking Association.
“We also welcome the urgent response from the Reserve Bank of Australia made in its extraordinary statement yesterday afternoon,” Mr Albanese said.
“The Reserve Bank is certainly acting with urgency to protect the economy and to protect jobs and small businesses.
“We want businesses to keep going. We want them to keep employing people.”
Opposition Treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers said the government needed to show the same level of urgency as the RBA.
“No stimulus is out the door yet. We haven’t yet passed the legislation, and we’re still waiting for the second package of stimulus which the government flagged some days ago,” Dr Chalmers said.
“The banks and the Reserve Bank are doing their bit. It’s now time for the government to do its bit. This is no time for half-measures. It’s no time for dithering or delay. It’s no time for stuffing around.
“We need to get more money circulating in an economy which desperately needs support right now, and not some months down the track.
“If the government wants the parliament to consider and pass a second set of stimulus measures, then we need to see those measures … so that we can put them through our processes.”
READ MORE: Banks offer $8bn small business lifeline
David Penberthy 1.15pm: Adelaide nursing home in lockdown
An exclusive 45-resident nursing home in Adelaide’s inner suburbs has been placed in immediate and total lockdown after an aged care worker who tended to an undisclosed number of residents this week contracted coronavirus while playing a social basketball match.
In an alarming scenario for the elderly residents, their families and staff, the St Louis Nursing Home in the exclusive suburb of Parkside has barred all visitors and rostered on extra staff to keep the affected residents safely isolated in their rooms.
The Australian has seen the letter to families sent out by St Louis director of care Sue Toner which paints a disturbing picture of how the virus may have been transmitted to the worker, given that SA has so far only recorded cases where people have tested positive for COVID-19 after travelling overseas or being in close proximity to those who have.
“Well how things change in 24 hours,” the letter begins.
“An allied health worker was here Monday seeing some of our residents. She was not unwell, however she was contacted by the Department of Health Monday night to tell her a member of her basketball team who she had played a game with the previous Wednesday had tested positive to COVID-19.
“The worker was subsequently tested on Tuesday and returned a positive test on Wednesday night and is now in isolation.”
Ms Toner goes on to say that all the residents who were seen by the affected aged care worker are now confined to their rooms and unable to leave.
It does not reveal how many of the 45 residents saw the worker.
READ MORE: Adelaide nursing home in lockdown
Rebecca Urban 1.06pm: NAPLAN axed for 2020
NAPLAN has been scrapped for 2020 after education ministers met and decided it would be too difficult for schools to implement amid the outbreak of coronavirus.
Education Council released a statement on Friday revealing the “decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 has been taken to assist school leaders, teachers and support staff to focus on the wellbeing of students and continuity of education, including potential online and remote learning.”
”Further, the impact of responses to the COVID-19 virus may affect the delivery of NAPLAN testing, including the operation of centralised marking centres and the implications for nationally comparable data if an insufficient number of students are available to do the test,” it said.
Education Ministers reiterated that the National Cabinet has agreed, on the advice of the chief health and medical officers, that “pre-emptive closure of schools are not proportionate or effective as a public health intervention to prevent community transmission of COVID-19 at this time.”
The decision to not proceed with NAPLAN in 2020 also means that the scheduled testing of the NAPLAN Online platform, known as the Coordinated Practice Test (CPT), will not go ahead.
The NAPLAN test was due to be held in May.
READ MORE: NAPLAN axed for 2020
Tessa Akerman 1.05pm: Vic Magistrates Court adjourns all pre-trial hearings
The Victorian Magistrates Court has adjourned all pre-trial hearings for two months.
The courts announced on Friday that all contested committal hearings will be adjourned but straight hand-up brief matters will continue to be heard.
The announcement is the latest from the Victoria courts and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) which are moving to a position where appearances will be managed through the electronic and digital environment as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pilots will start immediately across the courts to test the technology.
“We are not there yet,” Chief Justice Anne Ferguson said in a statement.
“Nor do we have all the answers. The situation is fluid and moving fast and while we cannot predict what may happen with COVID-19 in the immediate future we will continue to move to a more agile and flexible environment.”
The courts have already suspended new civil and criminal jury trials and admissions ceremonies for new lawyers.
READ MORE: Sydney’s Family Court precinct to close after lawyer tests positive
Greg Brown 1.05pm: ‘Be prepared to intervene’
Anthony Albanese says the government must be willing to radically intervene in the economy to save jobs amid a pushback from business figures on the nationalisation of companies during the coronavirus crisis.
The Opposition Leader said major government intervention was essential after the Business Council of Australia and Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce slapped down ideas to nationalise failing firms.
“People would have to look at any specific issues. That’s not an issue for any of the airlines at the present time, is my understanding.” Mr Albanese said.
“But the government needs to be prepared to intervene in the economy. We have said that that’s the case.
“From time to time, when there’s an issue, governments need to take action that supports jobs and supports the economy because unless they do, the consequence is it ends up costing more to the budget bottom line later on.”
READ MORE: Buckle up for a hell of a ride
Simon McLoughlin 1.00pm: Warne dumps gin for sanitiser
Australian cricket great Shane Warne has halted production of gin at a distillery he co-owns to make medical-grade hand sanitiser for hospitals in these “challenging times”.
The spin legend, who played 145 Tests, responded to Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s plea for companies to help wherever they can during the spiralling coronavirus crisis.
“This is a challenging time for Australians and we all need to do what we can to help our healthcare system combat this disease and save lives,” Warne said on his Instagram page.
“I am happy SevenZeroEight has the ability to make this shift and encourage others to do the same.”
Warne is a co-founder in the company alongside two prominent surgeons with an agreement in place to supply two Western Australian hospitals with hand sanitiser at cost.
The company halted gin production earlier this week and is now pumping out 70 per cent alcohol hand sanitiser indefinitely.
“Great work Shane and team. We need leaders in the community to stand up -- you have always been and are one,” said one of his social media followers.
It follows a similar move by a distillery in Ireland, with hand sanitiser in short supply in many countries battling the virus.
Australia has so far seen more than 750 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, with seven deaths from the disease.
READ MORE: Nick Cater writes: Test of our resilience
David Rogers 12.50pm: GDP ‘worst since Depression’
Goldman Sachs predicts Australia’s economic growth in 2020 will be the worst since the Depression.
The US investment bank’s Australian chief economist, Andrew Boak, has forecast a 6 per cent fall real GDP in annual average terms this year after slashing his forecasts amid a “severe deterioration the Australian economy over the past week as the COVID-19 outbreak has
intensified.”
If Australia’s economic growth rate were to fall by more than a 5.1 per cent decline in 19
45 – after WW2 demobilisation – it would be the worst year of growth since a 9.6 per cent fall in 1930.
“Looking ahead, the global experience suggests social-distancing and broader containment measures will intensify further over the coming weeks and – with Australia entering its winter mid-year - the revised guidance from the Government is to prepare for containment measures extending for ‘at least the next six months’,” Mr Boak said in a report to clients on Friday.
“Given this rapid deterioration in the outlook, we now estimate the Australian economy will contract 6 per cent in 2020 in annual average terms (average levels of GDP in all of 2020 compared to 2019).”
“This represents the sharpest annual GDP contraction since the great depression.”
READ MORE: Economy faces ‘difficult period’
Amos Aikman 12.41pm: Man in mid-30s NT’s second case
The Northern Territory has confirmed its second case of coronavirus in a man who returned from Europe by plane on 18 March.
The man in his mid-30s is understood to be from Darwin but to have been travelling for several years. He was coming back to the Top End capital to see a friend but felt unwell on arrival.
After quarantining himself, he tried to see a GP and was sent to the Northern Territory government’s pandemic clinic at Royal Darwin Hospital. The man’s positive test was confirmed this morning.
Health authorities do not believe he has had contact with many people. All those who were on the international flight ought to be already in quarantine.
The man’s condition has been described as “moderately unwell”.
READ MORE: Gunner mulls NT-wide coronavirus quarantine plan
Elias Visontay 12.17pm: How MPs deal with social distancing
WhatsApp groups, video calls and journalists phoning in questions to empty press conferences are set to be embraced by politicians, as the slashing of plane routes impedes the preparations for what could be one of the few sitting weeks held “for some months”.
Liberal MP Julian Leeser chaired a meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Migration via teleconferencing technology on Thursday, after a planned two-day trip to WA to conduct interviews in Perth, Kalgoorlie and Katanning was reduced to a five-hour phone call with nine other MPs and senators.
He said while he felt committee members missed out on “some of the detail and nuance” of the interviews with local community members, “in the circumstances it’s the best we can do”.
“You miss something by not going into the towns and getting a sense of the atmosphere or the gestures in the town … (but) nobody has said anything against teleconferencing because we all recognise how difficult it is to get time in the diaries of parliamentarians.
“The virus could be some months.
“We have the teleconference, plus I’ve got a WhatsApp group communicating with the members of the committee, and then another WhatsApp group of the secretariat. It’s a combination.”
READ MORE: Government by WhatsApp
11.40am: NZ records biggest single-day increase
New Zealand has recorded its biggest single-day increase of COVID-19 cases, with another 11 positive tests taking the country’s total tally to 39.
Health officials are still yet to find a case of community transmission.
The number of cases has jumped in line with a huge surge of testing. Until Monday, just 524 tests had been conducted during the entire outbreak. Health officials have lifted testing rates dramatically this week to test around 1000 Kiwis each day.
AAP
READ MORE: Queen’s rallying cry
Anne Barrowclough 11.37am: Cannes postponed for at least six weeks
The Cannes Film Festival has been postponed for at least six weeks due to the coronavirus pandemic, the French film industry event has announced. Organisers said the festival scheduled for mid-May would be moved to a slot between the end of June or early July.
“At this time of global health crisis, our thoughts go to the victims of the COVID-19 and we express our solidarity with all of those who are fighting the disease,” the festival wrote in a statement. “As soon as the development of the French and international health situation will allow us to assess the real possibility, we will make our decision known.”
France has at least 10,800 confirmed cases of the virus and at least 240 deaths.
READ MORE: Arts leaders in crisis talks
Patrick Commins 11.32am: Banks offer $8bn small business lifeline
Banks will defer loan repayments for six months to small businesses struggling under the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, in a move that Australian Banking Association boss Anna Bligh said could inject as much as $8 billion into the pockets of SMEs.
“Banks will make sure this deferral is available to any small business in critical need because of COVID-19,” Ms Bligh said.
Ms Bligh said banks were receiving an “exponentially increasing volume of calls from small businesses in distress and who are unable to meet repayments”.
READ MORE: Banks offer $8bn small business loans lifeline
Stephen Romei 11.30am: What to read during self-isolation
So you are stuck at home and after 2000 episodes of Law & Order decide you need to binge on a book instead. What’s the right book to read in this new era of self-isolation? I decided to ask some writers and critics for their picks.
I said they could choose anything they liked, but added that the idea was to offer readers a wide range of books to tide them over in coming weeks, months, years, depending on how serious coronavirus becomes. I didn’t want all of them to recommend Albert Camus’s The Plague or Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe.
They replied with enthusiasm. Here’s the pandemic reading list.
READ MORE: Critics choose their best reads for self-isolation
Rebecca Urban 11.22am: NAPLAN tests face axe in 2020
NAPLAN testing could be called off for 2020 in the face of the coronavirus crisis.
The Australian understands that federal, state and territory ministers are currently involved in a telephone hook-up to discuss whether the annual literacy and numeracy test for students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will go ahead.
Practice tests were due to start next week.
An announcement is expected this afternoon.
READ MORE: A level playing field for schoolchildren?
David Swan 11.00am: Telstra freezes job cuts
Telstra has frozen its huge job cuts program, and will recruit an extra 1000 temporary contractors to help manage call centre volumes as part of its response to the coronavirus epidemic.
CEO Andy Penn said in a statement that the company would continue its $2.5bn cost reduction program – set to run until FY22 – but would not announce any new job reductions over the next six months.
Telstra had announced in 2018 that it would cut a total of 8000 employees and contractors by 2022.
READ MORE: Telstra freezes job cuts program
Olivia Caisley 10.55am: ACOSS calls for more funding
Australian Council of Social Services CEO Cassandra Goldie has seized on the coronavirus outbreak to call for urgent government funding as an increasing number of domestic cases begins to place strain on the not-for profit community sector.
The Australian Community Sector Survey (ACSS) 2019, which was conducted prior to both the outbreak of the deadly virus and a horror bushfire season, found the sector was already struggling to keep up with demand due to rising unemployment, stagnant income support payments and sky-high housing costs.
“We’re calling on the Federal Government to urgently deliver a rescue package,” Ms Goldie said on Thursday. “The rescue package needs to firstly extend all business related stimulus measures to the community sector and other not for profit organisations, and also establish a dedicated fund so that community services can prevent jobs losses and extend services to respond to this crisis.”
Ms Goldie said the community sector would be crucial in supporting those most vulnerable to the health and economic crisis.
It comes after both the arts industry escalated its calls for government assistance to help them stay afloat during the crisis and as the Morrison government mulls a fresh suite of measures to add to its $17.6 billion economic stimulus package announced last week.
The ACSS survey of 1454 community sector workers, undertaken in September last year, revealed that 82 per cent of respondents reported demand in the community had either ‘increased’ or ‘increased significantly’ over the previous year.
READ MORE: Robert Gottliebsen writes: Super needs rapid action
David Ross 10.50am: COVID makes mark on space
Family and friends are banned from the launch of a NASA astronauts space mission on April 9 as coronavirus makes its mark in space.
Chris Cassidy, who is set to escape the impact of coronavirus for the next six and a half months, will say goodbye to his wife and friends three weeks earlier than planned as he goes into quarantine ahead of time as COVID-19 clamps down on Russia’s cosmonaut headquarters in Star City, Russia.
While training together to catch up, Cassidy, Anatoly Ivanishin and Ivan Vagner have been taking precautions to stay germ free, frequently washing their hands and keeping a safe distance from others.
The space station crew will drop from six to three a week after his arrival. It will remain at three people until SpaceX launches two NASA astronauts, as early as May, or another crew arrives on a Russian Soyuz capsule in the fall. With only three people on board, it promises to be extraordinarily busy. “That doesn’t bother me at all,” Cassidy told the The Associated Press . “In fact, I’m excited. Bring it on.” Cassidy, Ivanishin and Vagner leave Tuesday for the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.
They will be isolated in a special hotel for astronauts, but on launch day, there won’t be the usual cheering, backslapping throngs of wellwishers or journalists either.
“It really is going to be strange,” said Cassidy.
Their families, bosses and dozens of others normally jam a special room behind a glass wall while the astronauts put on their spacesuits before lift-off. Not this time.
“We’ll be looking through the glass at maybe one video camera or something like this and then we’ll get on the bus” to go to a launch pad with a minimal team there, Cassidy said.
Invanishin, like Cassidy an experienced spaceman, said earlier this week that he’s surprised to be suddenly rocketing away, “but life happens.” He said the crew swap could have occurred even closer to launch and so the three have had “some time for the news to settle in.” Cassidy acknowledges his stress level is higher than usual right now from worrying about his loved ones.
“We’re only human,” he said, “and we’ll work through it and be fine.”
READ MORE: ‘World is paying for what China did’
Will Swanton 10.45am: Bogut slams NBL over COVID-19
Australian basketball superstar Andrew Bogut has slammed the NBL’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis as “embarrassing,” accusing CEO Larry Kestelman of lacking leadership and leaving players to instigate their own decision-making processes while being treated like “pawns in a big machine.”
Bogut says his frustration has nothing to do with the NBL awarding the championship to Perth Wildcats, who led the best-of-five series 2-1 when the Kings withdrew. Bogut says he entered a player-only Kings meeting wanting to finish the series but the concerns of his teammates, especially the overseas contingent, swayed the “90 per cent” agreement among the Kings to pull the pin.
“To me there are three things about the way any organisation handles thing: proactively, being reactive, and then doing things retroactively,” Bogut told a press conference on Friday morning. “The retroactive aspect (from the NBL) has been a 10/10, the proactive stuff has been honestly a 1, and the reactive stuff probably about a 5. When you have a number of people working for you at a corporation or organisation, I think it goes against the grain to block your ears out. That’s what I felt, from day one. Outside the Kings brass it was a case of la, la, la, la, la … we were just in limbo. It’s something the NBL has to learn from.”
READ MORE: Graham Richardson writes: We’re in this together
Rebecca Urban 10.20am: Vic schools reassured over risk
Victoria’s chief health officer has moved to reassure schools the risk of teachers contracting the coronavirus remains low, as calls for schools to be closed ramp up.
In advice released to schools on Thursday, Brett Sutton said there was no evidence of any school clusters where infections had been driven by the student population or student introductions.
“There is evidence that children in households may be infected by adults within the households, which is why all household contacts of confirmed cases are placed into home isolation when a case is confirmed,” Dr Sutton said.
“This will continue throughout the COVID-19 response.
“Thus far, approximately 2 per cent of total cases in China have been in children, and there have been no deaths in children under 10 years with very few hospitalisations.
“There is emerging evidence indicates that the people who are most unwell, and most symptomatic are more infectious than those with very mild or minimal symptoms.”
Dr Sutton said community transmission was not widespread “at this point” and levels of COVID-19 illness “are likely to be very low”.
“One of the reasons why schools have been kept open by governments across Australia, on the basis of the advice from the health and medical experts, is that people remaining in theirroutine daily activities, whilst decreasing non-essential social and mass gathering activities, will decrease the opportunities for spread in our community, including those to teachers,” he said.
Victoria’s education department will bolster cleaning staff and resources to schools, with a focus on regular disinfecting of “common touch points” such as including washbasins, entry and exit points and shared surfaces including chairs and desks.
It has promised to deliver additional hand sanitiser to schools.
READ MORE:
Lachlan Moffet Gray 10.15am: Seventh Australian dies
Another Australian has died from coronavirus, bringing the country’s death toll to seven.
NSW health confirmed the death of the 81-year-old woman on Friday and revealed she was a close contact of another confirmed case linked to Ryde hospital.
They also confirmed the existence of another case amongst a resident of the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged care facility. Three of Australia’s seven deaths have been residents of the facility.
NSW Health said: “Further investigations are underway,” relating to the new case at the Lodge, alongside “continued intense infection control practices.”
A case was also confirmed at St Columba Anglican school in Port Macquarie. The individual is a 14-year-old girl. The school has been closed for the day for “further risk assessment and identification of close contacts”.
Overall, another 46 cases were confirmed, bringing the total number of confirmed cases in NSW to 353 and the country’s total to 756.
Of NSW’s 356 cases, 158 have acquired the virus overseas, 69 are contacts of a confirmed case, 52 are unknown and 74 are under investigation.
In a further breakdown 170 cases are women and 183 are men, with the plurality of cases occurring in women aged between 30-39, at 45 cases. Men aged between 30 and 39 follow closely at 42 cases.
READ MORE: Age just another bridge to cross
Damon Johnston 10.10am: AFL season at further risk
AFL chief Gillon McLachlan has revealed if there is a single positive test among players the entire league will be suspended for month.
“We would certainly stand down for a minimum of 30 days,” he told 3AW’s Neil Mitchell.
Mr McLachlan’s revelation that all clubs would cease playing for four weeks after a single positive underlines the fragility of the AFL season, which opened on Thursday night in an empty MCG.
Mr McLachlan also refused to rule out that the AFL was seeking some type of financial assistance from Victorian or national government.
“We are working to ensure we have liquidity,” McLachlan said.
“We are trying to balance health and welfare of our businesses and our community with people’s livelihoods, and that’s a delicate balance.”
Mr McLachlan, in the wake of criticism that Richmond and Carlton players shared water bottles on Thursday night, said tighter rules would be in place for Friday night’s Collingwood v Bulldogs game.
“It was the first game, so I think you would forgive everyone for being a bit habitual, we’ll get the protocols better,” he said.
READ MORE: Football, but not as we know it
David Ross 10.05am: ACCC warns over COVID scams
Scammers are targeting Australians, with 94 coronavirus related scams reported to the ACCC since January 1 2020, with warnings the figure is set to climb as the outbreak balloons.
The ACCC’s scamwatch said it had received multiple reports of phishing scams sent via email or text message that claim to be providing official information on coronavirus but are attempts to try and obtain personal data.
Other scams include people receiving misinformation about cures for coronavirus and investment scams claiming coronavirus has created opportunities to make money.
“We’ve had a wide variety of scams reported to us, including fake online stores selling products claiming to be a vaccine or cure for coronavirus, and stores selling products such as face masks and not providing the goods,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
“There is no known vaccine or cure for coronavirus and a vaccine isn’t expected to be available for 18 months. Do not buy any products that claim to prevent or cure you of COVID-19. They simply don’t exist.”
Australians who believe they have been scammed are urged to contact their bank or financial institution.
READ MORE: Wesfarmers withdraws guidance
David Ross 10.00am: First royal tests positive
The Prince of Monaco, Prince Albert II has COVID-19, announced after he tested positive on Thursday.
In a statement, the prince said he had been tested at the start of the week and is currently being treated by doctors at the Princess Grace Hospital Centre, named for his mother the movie star Grace Kelly.
“His Serene Highness urges the people of Monaco to respect containment measures and to limit contact with others to a minimum,” said the palace. “Only the rigorous observance of these containment rules will stop the spread of the virus.”
Monaco records seven cases of Coronavirus, which has cancelled the Monaco Grand Prix in response to the outbreak.
Meanwhile Prince Phillip has been flow from the Sandringham estate in Norfolk to Windsor Castle to join Queen Elizabeth.
The royal couple’s advanced age means they are more at risk of complications if they catch the Covid-19 infection.
READ MORE: We’re up to the challenge, the Queen assures UK
David Ross 9.45am: Morocco closes borders
Morocco has joined several other countries in closing its borders, stranding tens of thousands of tourists and travellers, shuttering hotels and shrines in a bid to stop the spread of COVID-19.
In latest reports, Morocco lists 63 confirmed coronavirus cases, including two deaths.
All international passenger flights and passengers ships to and from Morocco have been banned beginning Sunday.
France, the largest source of tourists to Morocco has evacuated up to 13,000 of its citizens since Friday and is working on getting out up to 7,000 more still in the former colony, according to the French Foreign Ministry.
But American tourists and students have said the US government has done little to help them.
Morocco’s Interior Ministry has declared a health emergency, barring anyone from being outside except for going to work or to shop at grocery stores or chemists.
Anyone caught outside must present a document to police justifying their reason for movement.
READ MORE: Scramble to get home as borders close
David Ross 9.35am: Death every 10 minutes in Iran
The coronavirus is killing one person every 10 minutes in Iran, the health ministry spokesman has tweeted, as the death toll in the Middle East’s worst- affected country climbed to 1284.
“Based on our information, every 10 minutes one person dies from the coronavirus and some 50 people become infected with the virus every hour in Iran,” Kianush Jahanpur tweeted on Thursday.
Deputy Health Minister Alireza Raisi said the total number of infections had reached 18,407.
Yet despite the grim toll, Iranians are preparing to celebrate the New Year, or Nowruz, in an internal migration that many say will further spread the virus.
Many Iranians use the opportunity to go on a pilgrimage, visit family members, starting with the eldest, or go on a holiday.
Tehran’s Sharif University of Technology, has suggested that more than 3 million people could die in the country if more robust preventative measures aren’t implemented immediately.
The government has ordered the closure of schools and universities and banned sports, cultural and religious gatherings.
Iran has also closed four holy Shi’ite shrines.
READ MORE: ‘World is paying a big price’
Angelica Snowden 9.15am: Stranded Aussies off to Falklands
A cruise ship with more than 100 Australians on-board that was stranded off the coast of Chile has set sail for the Falkland Islands where it plans to disembark passengers after they were stranded for three days.
An Australian passenger on board, Carolyn Beasley, said Captain Torry Sakkariassen announced the ship would head to the islands where chartered flights would be organised to get passengers home.
“Everybody cheered and clapped, it’s that kind of boat. Every time something good happens that’s the kind of people we are, we’re positive,” Ms Beasley said.
“We just wanted a solution, and that is a solution that we could work with,” she said.
READ MORE: Virus strands 73 Aussie doctors on cruise ship
Brent Read 9.00am: Warriors to stay in Australia
The Warriors will stay in Australia. The Warriors players and staff spoke this morning and made amid speculation that they may head back to Auckland after their game against Canberra this weekend.
However, chief executive Cameron George said the squad was committed to remaining in Australia for as long as the NRL needs them.
“The entire squad is locked in and ready to go,” said George. “They understand the issues that different individuals got on the table. But they’re sticking together … [The NRL] have called on us and we’ve stepped up to the task.”
“If we were told to leave your family and live in another country for an indefinite period, not many would … we’re very proud of the players.
“The deciding factor was that it’s our time to be leaders in the community and rugby league … we’re gonna stand tall and be leaders and take it on.
“These guys aren’t falling away from the challenge ahead. Our players have been asked to relocate to another country — unplanned — and continue to play in the competition, away from their families. If that is the case, then we need to make sure they have everything that their normal lives provide them, as much as is possible.
“Full credit to our guys, they’ve had to work through a number of indefinite hurdles. I felt there was some wavering but they had a discussion but it’s one in, all in.”
The Warriors’ decision eases some of the pressure on the NRL. Had they gone home, doubts would have been created over the game’s ability to honour their commitment to the broadcasters to provide eight games each weekend.
“NRL are very grateful and considerate about what players and families are going through,” George said.
“Our owners, the support they’ve wrapped around this club is unprecedented in our history.
“Deciding factor was it’s our time to be leaders in community and rugby league. We have an opportunity to show the world in the face of adversity, we can stand tall and be leaders.”
READ MORE: It’s football, but not as we know it
Richard Ferguson 8.45am: Banks set for virus package
The banks are set to unveil a coronavirus-fighting package to relieve pressure on customers and stop small and medium businesses going under, after negotiations with the Morrison Government.
Josh Frydenberg on Friday flagged a “significant” announcement from the banks as he prepares his own second round of fiscal measures to rescue businesses and individuals from the COVID-19 downturn.
“The banks are also working on another package of significant initiatives which will be looking to relieve some pressures on their customers,” the Treasurer told Sky News.
“I was in discussions late last night with the banks as well as the prudential regulator and there will be an announcement later today.”
The Australian on Thursday revealed the government was in negotiations with the big banks on a rescue plan for small and medium-sized firms that could see taxpayers underwriting loans to avoid businesses going under.
READ MORE: RBA acts ‘in extraordinary times’
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.40am: Hunt flags new tests
Greg Hunt has defended the government’s policy of focusing coronavirus testing on those who have returned from overseas or had previous contact with a confirmed case, but says the government will endeavour to expand testing over time through the use of new testing methods.
“We are focusing on the highest risk for the honest reason of managing the test kids and the capacity to do the pathology tests by focusing on those most likely (to have coronavirus),” the federal health minister told Sunrise.
“What we are also doing … is looking at being able to expand it through what is called point-of-care-test approved yesterday.
We have 100,000 of those kits already in Australia and this will allow increased testing.”
Point-of-care testing is a method of testing for a virus that compares the gene of a virus and compares it to the gene sequence of a sample – if there is a match, a diagnosis is instantly made.
READ MORE: Age just another bridge to cross
Jacquelin Magnay 8.30am: Harry cancels Invictus Games
The Invictus Games for wounded servicepeople have been postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic, Prince Harry said on Friday.
The Olympic-style sports event featuring athletes from 20 countries was due to happen in The Hague in the Netherlands from May 9 to 16 but is now likely to be in 2021.
The Invictus Games are the brainchild of Harry, who served with the British military in Afghanistan.
“I’m really sorry we couldn’t make this happen,” Harry said in a video message on Twitter. “This was an incredibly difficult decision for all of us to have to make.”
Harry said it was the “most sensible and the safest option for all of you, for your families and everybody else involved in these games.”
“I know how disappointed you all must be, this is a focus that so many of you need, I would encourage you to maintain that focus as best you can. The good news is that you have an extra 12 months to get even fitter!”
Organisers said in a statement that they were “investigating all options to reschedule the Invictus Games, subject to the availability of key facilities and resources, to May or June 2021.” They are the latest in a series of sporting events to be cancelled due to the coronavirus outbreak, including the Euro 2020 football championships.
Harry was in The Hague last year to mark one year until the games — and was presented with a romper suit for his then newborn son Archie.
The games would have been one of his first public appearances since he and his wife Meghan withdrew from royal duties.
The Netherlands has reported 2,460 coronavirus cases including 76 deaths.
READ MORE: Queen issues rare rallying cry
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.20am: NSW lifts delivery curfews
NSW has joined Victoria and Queensland in lifting trucking curfews to allow the constant supply of goods to supermarkets, Gladys Berejiklian said.
Speaking to Today on Friday morning the NSW premier said trucks will be able “to deliver any time at night” from now on.
“I live near a supermarket. I don’t care if it’s noisy at night, so long as people are getting what they need.”
READ MORE: Meat the new field of panic buying
Richard Ferguson 8.15am: BCA: Keep firms going
Business Council of Australia chief executive Jennifer Westacott has railed against the idea of nationalising firms to fight the coronavirus economic downturn, saying Australia cannot go back to the 1950s.
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce earlier today warned the Morrison Government against nationalising struggling competitor Virgin Australia.
Ms Westacott said a “modern market economy” could still survive the pandemic.
“We do know that this will come to an end, unlike the GFC … the job is to keep companies going,” she told Sky News.
“The problem with nationalisation is what Alan Joyce said, it’s about picking winners.
“What we need to come out of this crisis is a modern market economy, not an economy that looks like something out of the 1950s. That is not the way to bounce back from this.”
READ MORE: ‘Don’t nationalise Virgin’
Patrick Commins 8.10am: RBA ‘acts in extraordinary times’
Australia’s banking system will be flushed with $105bn in cheap cash, the biggest stimulus in the nation’s history, as Reserve Bank governor Philip Lowe pledged to do “whatever is necessary” to shield businesses and households from the COVID-19 economic shock.
After the RBA slashed interest rates to a record low 0.25 per cent on Thursday, the first out-of-cycle cut since 1997, Josh Frydenberg said: “Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.’’
Dr Lowe announced a sweeping package to lower funding costs across the economy and support the provision of credit to small and medium-sized businesses, including the provision of at least $90bn to lenders via a three-year facility at a fixed rate of 0.25 per cent.
Read the full story.
READ MORE: CBA cuts interest rates
Lachlan Moffet Gray 8.00am: Trump’s ‘Chinese virus’ switch
A well-placed photographer has snapped a photo of Trump’s coronavirus task force briefing at the White House and revealed the President intentionally crossed out the word “corona” and replaced it with “Chinese”.
President Trump's notes show where "corona" was replaced with "Chinese" as he speaks at a coronavirus task force briefing at the White House on Thursday.
— NBC News (@NBCNews) March 19, 2020
(Photo: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images) pic.twitter.com/PAMCYIiZAA
Mr Trump has been criticised for referring to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” on multiple occasions this week, defending himself from accusations of race-baiting by claiming the statement is not racist – it’s simply a statement of fact.
“It comes from China. It’s not racist at all, no, not at all,” the President said on Wednesday.
“I want to be accurate.”
The revealing picture will surely raise questions as to whether Mr Trump’s use of the term is a calculated political move.
READ MORE: Trump warns of 'wartime sacrifice’
Richard Ferguson 7.55am: ‘Don’t nationalise Virgin’
Qantas chief executive Alan Joyce has warned Scott Morrison not to nationalise airline competitor Virgin Australia, saying he cannot pick winners and losers.
“That would be completely unfair. We would be competing against the federal government,” Mr Joyce told Sky News on Friday morning.
“It has to treat the aviation sector the exactly same.”
Read the full story here.
READ MORE: Failing firms could be nationalised
Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.50am: ‘No one holding back’
Scott Morrison has said “no one is holding back” in developing different plans to “cushion the blow” of the coronavirus on businesses and individuals, telling 2GB that expanded income support for workers and measures to assist businesses are being finalised.
The Prime Minister said income support, particularly for out of work sole traders is “exactly what we are looking at,” so that people can continue to meet their financial commitments
“Through a crisis like this people will still have rent and fixed commitments, because they know on the other side they’ll need these things,” he said, adding that the final details of the income support measures are being looked at now.
Mr Morrison also confirmed the government is working with the banks to expand credit to “those who are seeking it,” with the “same objective” as HECS-HELP university loans.
“We are working on a range of other measures that will synchronise with this,” he said.
“You want the banks to keep expanding credit to those who are seeking it, and do it on very good terms.
“we are providing support as broadly and deeply as we possibly can.”
The government’s flagship $715 million aviation industry assistance package is also likely not to cost as much as the sticker price due to a highly downward-revised quantity of flights.
“What we did is we waived aviation fees, and we did it for all airlines,” Mr Morrison said.
“Now with Qantas actually not flying anywhere effectively at all overseas … those fees are now moot because they aren’t flying anywhere.”
Richard Ferguson 7.40am: Social distancing set to tighten
Scott Morrison will not rule out restricting the number of people who occupy indoor venues by square metre to fight coronavirus, as he gets set to sit down again with the National Cabinet.
“What we are doing, and what the health advice is, is to practise this social distancing,” he told Sydney’s 2GB radio.
“When people are in close contact, particularly in enclosed spaces, that spreads the virus.
“If we spread the virus then elderly people are under threat.
“There are circumstances where we will have to restrict the number of people in enclosed spaces. That is what we have to do to save lives.”
The National Cabinet today will flesh out their current ban on indoor gatherings over 100 people, including how this will affect pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres and restaurants.
READ MORE: Virus claims high end restaurants
Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.30am: Australia cases reach 710
As of 7.40pm last night, Australia cases totalled 710, with six deaths. There were
142 new cases yesterday.
NSW: 307 (5 deaths)
QLD: 144
VIC: 150
SA: 42
WA: 52 (1 death)
TAS: 10
ACT: 4
NT: 1
READ MORE: Nick Cater writes: Virus a test of resilience
Richard Ferguson 7.25am: ‘Won’t bake in long term spending’
Josh Frydenberg says the government does not want to bake in long-term spending he cannot remove once the coronavirus pandemic is over, as he prepares a second round of fiscal measures.
The government is facing increased calls to raise Newstart – soon to be transferred into a new payment – as unemployment numbers threaten to spike.
“We’re not looking to structurally bake-in long-term expenditure into the budget that we can’t remove,” the Treasurer told ABC News.
“This is going to be a temporary challenge, it may go for six months or more but
it is going to be a temporary challenge.
“And our focus is on targeted measures using the existing tax and transfer system, and making it as simple and as easy as possible for Australians to get that support.”
READ MORE: Henry Eergas writes: Pandemic will alter face of politics
Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.20am: US bans foreign travel
The Trump administration has followed Australia and New Zealand and upgraded its already dire warning to Americans against all international travel as the coronavirus outbreak spreads.
The State Department on Thursday issued a new alert urging Americans not to travel abroad under any circumstances and to return home if they are already abroad unless they plan to remain overseas.
The number of cases in the US is at least 10,755 with 154 deaths.
Congress worked urgently Thursday to fashion a $1 trillion measure to prop up households and the U.S. economy amid the coronavirus outbreak, starting with a White House proposal to send Americans first-round aid checks – potentially $3,000 for a family of four.
The fast-track effort in an all but shuttered Capitol came as the first two lawmakers tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, others are self-isolating and the usually tradition-bound Congress faced calls to ease rules and allow remote voting.
“The American people need help and they need it fast,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said as he opened the Senate.
READ MORE: Returning travellers push up numbers
Anne Barrowclough 7.10am: Air NZ in $900m bailout
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced a bailout of up to $900m for Air New Zealand after the airline cut 80 per cent of its international flights.
On Thursday, Ms Ardern closed the country’s borders for the first time in the country’s history.
Only Kiwi citizens, permanent residents and their family members will be allowed to enter the country during the ban.
The decision took effect from 11:59pm on Thursday, and will be reviewed at the end of the month.
READ MORE: Scramble to get home as borders close
Lachlan Moffet Gray 7.00am: Nationalising ‘not on agenda yet’
Josh Frydenberg has refused to rule out nationalising struggling firms crucial to the Australian economy, but has revealed that it is not on the government’s immediate agenda.
When asked on Sky News if he would consider nationalising a struggling business like Virgin Australia to prevent the nation from becoming a single-carrier country (https:// the federal treasurer said “that is not our focus right now.”
“As you know we announced a more than $700 million package to the aviation sector because that’s a critical sector to the Australian economy,” he said.
“We understand what the airlines are going through. We made a down payment on that support and continue to maintain a watching brief.”
Questioned whether bans on non-residents entering the country would remain in place for six months – the time frame outlined by the Prime Minister yesterday in explaining how long the nation could expect to be disrupted – Mr Frydenberg said:
“We’ll lift those border restrictions when it’s safe to do so. We actually don’t know and nor do the medical experts know (how long borders will need to be shut). There will be an end date, there will be the other side to this, but not even the health experts can put a date on it.”
Mr Frydenberg also said there would be a joint major announcement from the government and the major banks later on Friday.
READ MORE: PM looks to nationalise struggling firms
Lachlan Moffet Gray 6.35am: 31 from wedding test positive
A wedding in NSW where senator Andrew Bragg contracted the coronavirus has been designated by the state’s health department as a COVID —19 “cluster,” with the celebration linked to 31 confirmed cases of the virus.
On Wednesday NSW chief health officer Dr Kerry Chant said the March 6 celebration at the Tumbling Waters Retreat at Stanwell Tops south of Sydney was the nexus for the infection of 21 guests from NSW, five interstate visitors and four close contacts of those guests.
I was a guest at a friend’s wedding in Stanwell Tops on 6 March. After satisfying the guidelines of direct exposure and flu symptoms, I have tested positive to Coronavirus.
— Senator Andrew Bragg (@ajamesbragg) March 17, 2020
“NSW Health has worked with other states and territories to notify attendees at a wedding held at Stanwell Tops on March 6 of their potential exposure to COVID-19 and the need to quarantine themselves until March 20,” a NSW Health spokesman said.
Guest Sally Hawach, daughter of media legend John Singleton is 30 weeks pregnant – and has tested positive.
“As you can imagine this is extremely stressful. I am 30 weeks pregnant and have a 2yo and a 1yo,” she wrote on Instagram.
“My 1yo is showing signs of COVID also and is extremely sick. I am very distressed at the thought of having possibly infected anyone. I have contacted everyone I think I have been in touch with. But please if you have been in contact with me since March 6th or anyone with COVID or you show signs of sickness please self isolate.
There is no evidence to suggest pregnant women and their children are especially at risk of COVID-19.
It is understood the couple who 140 people congregated to see exchange nuptials learnt of the presence of coronavirus at their wedding while on their honeymoon in the Maldives.
The wedding occurred before Scott Morrison endorsed the concept of “social distancing” to stem the spread of the virus on Friday March 13.
READ MORE: Meat the new field of panic buying
Daniel Sankey 6.30am: African countries close borders
More African countries closed their borders overnight (AEDT) as the coronavirus’ local spread threatened to turn the continent of 1.3 billion people into an alarming new front for the pandemic.
Africa is seeing an “extremely rapid evolution” of the spread, the World Health Organisation’s regional chief, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said. Thirty-five of Africa’s 54 countries have cases, with the total close to 650. The first case in sub-Saharan Africa was announced February 28, less than three weeks ago.
Dr Moeti said she did not believe that large numbers of infected people are going undetected but acknowledged a shortage of testing kits. Forty-three countries have testing capability, up from two when the outbreak began. By Monday, countries will have 60,000 testing kits.
The WHO regional chief also expressed concern about travel restrictions and their impact on the ability to deliver needed resources. The WHO is considering humanitarian corridors, Moeti said. But many African nations were taking their cue from China and other countries by sharply restricting travel.
Yesterday, Senegal closed its airspace. Angola and Cameroon shut air, land and sea borders. Rwanda blocked all commercial flights for a month. The island nation of Mauritius closed its border after announcing its first case.
Some African nations also began cracking down on alcohol sales to help prevent the coronavirus’ spread among crowds of patrons. South Africa said all places that sell alcohol for drinking on site must close from 6pm to 9am
READ MORE: Cardboard king in box seat to help out
Lachlan Moffet Gray 6.15am: Aussie passengers trapped in Italy
Elderly Australians on a cruise ship set to dock in Italy fear they will be refused treatment if they test positive for coronavirus as the escalating crisis in the European nation causes a shortage of hospital beds.
There are up to 240 older Australians on-board cruise liner Costa Victoria, which operator Costa Cruises has confirmed to The Daily Telegraph, will dock in the port of Venice on March 28.
The passengers will reportedly then be “advised” to leave the ship.
As the total number of Italian deaths attributable to coronavirus shoot past those in China, relatives of the sea-bound Australians are growing increasingly worried.
Lauren Petrovic from Sydney said on Facebook her mother-in-law Susan Morgan was aboard, and vulnerable to falling ill.
“Italy is ground zero right now for coronavirus and Susan and most of the other passengers are over 65 and will have no right to medical assistance if they fall ill,” Ms Petrovic said.
“This obviously is a death sentence if they are to be let off here without assistance or any avenue to safely come home to Australia. They will be potentially left to die.”
Gold Coast woman Joanne Martin-Blakey is on the ship with her husband to celebrate her 50th birthday. She also took to social media to express worry.
“H.E.L.P
“We are now stuck on this ship (Costa Victoria) until we reach Italy. What country is going to accept us after being in Italy? Emirates have cancelled our return flight back from Venice and offered no alternative.
“Australia is about to close its borders and we can’t get home and we have no knowledge of what will happen to us when we get to Italy. We are being forced into the epicentre of covid-19, and we are all healthy on this ship but are now being put at risk.”
READ MORE: Death of tourism ‘small price to pay’
Daniel Sankey 6.00am: FA, Formula 1 extend cancellations
The English Football Association and Formula 1 are among a number of major sporting bodies to extend cancellations due to the coronavirus crisis.
All football leagues, including the Premier League, will be suspended in the UK until at least April 30, with hopes the season can be finished some time in June. The English FA and Premier League had earlier announced a suspension of play until April 4, but in extending the ban overnight, they waived a regulation requiring leagues to finish by June 1.
Following its cancellation of last weekend’s Australian Grand Prix and the postponing of races in Bahrain, Vietnam and China, Formula 1 has also postponed the Dutch (May 3), Spanish (May 10) and Monaco (May 24) grands prix.
READ MORE: It's football, but not as we know it
5.45am: London set for lockdown
London is expected to go into shutdown this weekend in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus as up to 40 Underground stations were shut across the capital on Thursday, The Times reports.
Boris Johnson will chair a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on Friday to decide on how to manage the lockdown.
No 10 said there was “zero prospect” that the government will impose restrictions on people coming in and out of London, or that the entire transport system would be closed down. It also ruled out enforcing social-distancing measures by requiring people to have written permission to travel, or limiting the number of people allowed out.
However, the Cabinet Office has asked government departments to draw up plans to force cafés, pubs and restaurants to close, and to reduce Underground, rail and bus services. The shutdown is being referred to in Whitehall as the “shielding plan for London”.
READ MORE: Scramble to get home as borders close
Lachlan Moffet Gray 5.30am: Italy’s death toll surpasses China
The coronavirus death toll in Italy has surpassed China’s, the first country to do so since the outbreak of the virus.
Overnight Italy sustained a third record-breaking day of deaths, tallying 475 in 24 hours – bringing their total to 3,405. There have been 3130 deaths in China, according to John Hopkins University.
Per capita, the toll of the virus is twenty times higher than it is in China.
Worldwide, there are 235,701 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 9785 deaths.
China’s attempts at quarantine appear to have been far more successful than Italy’s.
On Thursday, a visiting Chinese Red Cross team criticised Italians’ failure to properly quarantine themselves and take the national lockdown seriously.
Italy’s Civil Protection Agency said the number of cases soared to 41,035 up from 35,713 in 24 hours – a growth rate of almost 15 per cent and the largest increase in three days. On Thursday, China recorded just 34 cases.
At the UN in New York, meanwhile, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the world “is at war with a virus” and warned that “a global recession – perhaps of record dimensions – is a near certainty.”
“If we let the virus spread like wildfire – especially in the most vulnerable regions of the world — it would kill millions of people,” he said.
The virus has increased its presence in Africa and has infected one European head of state: Prince Albert II of Monaco, son of American actress Grace Kelly.
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