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Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has today brought in the big guns to help spread the word of the state’s imminent shut down in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the Prime Minister has called upon mining executives and other big business leaders to help manage the decision making in these uncertain times – Palaszczuk has opted for the help from a multi-platinum Cuban-American rapper and his Senegalese RNB vocalist.

Overnight, Queensland Health confirmed 50 more cases of coronavirus, bringing the state’s total to 493 – a number that can easily spiral out of control across the state’s population of 5.1 million – if stricter social-distancing measures are not implemented.

With the borders already shut down with police road blocks, Queensland schools will be now “student-free” from Monday next week. That’s according to Palaszczuk, who announced the new directives today after having to take matters into her own hands.

Children from unstable households, or students whose parents work in essential services will still be allowed to attend – with others to take part in home-school curricular provided to their parents.

With stricter measures expected to be announced throughout the week, the Premier has today had to enlist the help of prominent international recording artists, Akon and Pitbull.

Both men are known across Australia for their ARIA-certified gold duet single – “Shut It Down” – which was released as the fourth track from Pitbull’s 2009 album, Pitbull Starring in Rebelution.

“This is our new anthem!” shouted the Premier during a press conference earlier today, flanked by both musicians.

“To all the uncertain Queenslanders who’ve been missing the Prime Minister’s 9pm coronavirus briefings… All you need to do is listen to Akon and Mr Worldwide”

“Shut it down!”

The Premier’s address was then interrupted by Pitbull shouting “MR 305!” as Akon broke into the opening verse.

After both men had finished an a-cappella rendition of their song, Palaszczuk threw to the media scrum for questions.

The media conference finished with with yet another musical interlude as Akon performed ‘Lonely’ when asked about how he had been finding self-isolation.

MORE TO COME.