and this, just on our ABC news website............
The Prime Minister and state and territory leaders want all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people to be suspended from Monday amid fears about the spread of coronavirus.
Key points:
- Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy has recommended a ban on events with more than 500 people
- The nation's leaders want non-essential events with more than 500 people to stop from Monday
- Australians have also been urged against travelling overseas unless it is essential
It came after Australia's chief medical officer told the leaders at a COAG meeting that mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the cancellation would not be extended to schools, universities, public transport or airports.
"It is precautionary. It is getting ahead of this to ensure that we can minimise the impact on your health and [so] we can ensure with confidence the ability for people to be accessing the health services that they and their families will need," Mr Morrison said.
He has also advised Australians against travelling overseas unless it is essential.
"We now advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of your destination, age or health," Mr Morrison said.
"If your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time."
The
Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix in Melbourne had already been cancelled today, and spectators for cricket games banned. Questions about crowds have also been hanging over NRL, soccer and AFL matches.
Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said health officials had endorsed the recommendation to cancel only non-essential gatherings.
"This is a proportionate early response to get ahead of the curve," he said.
A senior West Australian doctor has
called for all schools to be closed soon and for there to be no crowds allowed at events as the coronavirus spreads, declaring he wants his colleagues to stay alive.
Mr Morrison said a new national cabinet, including state, territory and federal leaders, would meet weekly to assess Australia's response to coronavirus.
That group will meet again on Sunday ahead of the request for mass gatherings to be cancelled.
Leaders still going to the football
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese earlier on Friday both said they planned to go to the football this weekend.
Mr Morrison, speaking after the COAG meeting, said he still planned to go to the football.
Though he warned it might be the last time he could attend the football, with supporters likely to have to watch matches on the television after this weekend.
"I do still plan to go to the football on Saturday," Mr Morrison said.
"This is an arrangement we are putting in place for next week is a precaution. This is an early-stage action that we are undertaking to make sure we get ahead of this."
Mr Morrison said churches with large followings might have to consider adding extra services to keep numbers under 500.
Earlier in the day, WA Australian Medical Association president Andrew Miller posted on social media: "You want to go to the footy? I want my colleagues to stay alive."
He finished the tweet by declaring "this is not a game".
Mr Albanese said the decision on cancelling major public events should be based on health considerations, not politics.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, ahead of COAG, said she would go to a rugby league game in Townsville tonight, but wanted some clear guidance on public events.
"Very clearly we need some thresholds when it comes to mass gatherings," she said.
"Of course every state is at a different stage when it comes to the coronavirus outbreak, but I think we need some national consistency so that's what we'll be speaking to the national health officer about today."
