SYDNEY, March 18 — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison today declared a “human biosecurity emergency” and said the country's citizens should abandon all overseas travel because of the coronavirus epidemic. The formal declaration gives the government the power to close off cities or...
Wednesday, 18 Mar 2020 10:56 AM MYT
The formal declaration gives the government the power to close off cities or regions, impose curfews and order people to quarantine, if deemed necessary to contain the spread of the virus. Australia has recorded around 425 coronavirus infections and five deaths, a relatively small number compared to other countries, but officials are growing increasingly concerned about the prospect of exponential rise in cases. New South Wales, the country's most populous state, reported it's biggest one-day surge in new cases today.
Morrison reiterated the need for social distancing and good hand hygiene to curb the spread of the virus and announced restricted access to aged care homes. The widening restrictions on travel and domestic movement are expected to take a significant toll on Australia's tourism, retail and entertainment sectors.
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