At a press conference this morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced an immediate ban on non-essential indoor gatherings of 100 people or greater in an attempt to curtail the spread of coronavirus. “That is effective now, as of today,” he clarified.
The directive comes the week after Morrison announced a ban on gatherings of over 500, prompting the cancellation or postponement of a range of scheduled large music events in Australia such as Download Festival, Bluesfest and Splendour in the Grass.
While non-essential gatherings such as social activities and entertainment will be banned, the Prime Minister expanded on what spaces came under the “essential” umbrella. Airports, public transport, schools and universities, medical and emergency service facilities, supermarkets, aged care homes, jails, courts, parliaments and many workplaces will be exempt from the ban.
The rule is one of several new measures to attempt to fight the pandemic, with the Federal Government indefinitely advising Australians not to travel overseas whatsoever – the first time in Australian history the measure has been introduced.
“Life is changing in Australia, as it is changing all around the world. Life is going to continue to change,” commented Morrison during the press conference.
“If we slow the spread, then we do save lives.”
