A limit of two people at public gatherings is part of a raft of new measures announced this evening by Prime Minister Scott Morrison to curb the spread of coronavirus.
Mr Morrison also announced a nationwide moratorium on evictions from rental properties for people who are under financial distress.
The Prime Minister’s press conference followed a meeting with state and territory leaders where upon the measures announced were unanimously agreed to.
In respect to the gathering restrictions, Mr Morrison advised everyone to stay home unless they are shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education they are unable to access remotely.
Outside gyms and skate parks will be closed from Monday, while boot camps will be capped to two people.
The new limit of two people per public gathering is down from the previous limit of 10.
“States and territories will determine whether they proceed to make this an enforceable limit in the same way that the 10-person limit has already been enforced,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Morrison emphasised that the existing 10-person limit is enforceable now in most states and territories, and carries “very significant” on-the-spot fines.
The Prime Minister also urged people aged 70 and over to stay at home and self-isolate to limit their interactions with other people in the community.
“They can go outside and be accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting fresh air and recreation, but should limit contact with others as much as possible.
“These arrangements should also apply to those with chronic illness over 60, and Indigenous persons over the age of 50,” he said.
Today the ACT’s total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 77, with six new cases.
At 3pm on 29 March, there were 3,966 confirmed cases in Australia, marking 331 new cases since 3pm yesterday.
Of the 3,966 confirmed cases in Australia, 16 have died from COVID-19. More than 211,000 tests have been conducted across the nation.
Earlier today the Prime Minister announced a $1.1 billion package to fund Medicare assistance, mental health services, domestic violence services, and emergency food relief.
For more information see the Australian Department of Health’s coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert.
