Victorians have been banned from purchasing guns after permit applications increased amid fears of the coronavirus pandemic.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said at a press conference on Tuesday the number of people attempting to access firearms and ammunition had doubled.

The minister and the National Cabinet decided to pause the sales of firearms and ammunition for sporting or recreational purposes.

They fear an increased amount of weapons on the street would be dangerous as tensions rise and firearms may be stockpiled or accessed by criminals.

Police Minister Lisa Neville said at a press conference today the number of people attempting to access firearms and ammunition had doubled

The minister and the National Cabinet decided to pause the sales of firearms and ammunition for sporting or recreational purposes (pictured: Police Minister Lisa Neville)

'We're responding to an increase in demand for firearms and ammunition across the country by doing what we can to protect licensed firearm owners and dealers as well as the broader community,' she said.

'We sincerely hope that Victoria Police does not have to issue one of these on the spot fines, and people do the right thing.

'But for those that don't, they will be dealt with.'

The minister said the fear of domestic violence figures increasing as the state shuts down was another factor behind the pause of firearm sales.

The ban will exclude farmers, rural landholders, professional vermin control staff and armed guards as their jobs are considered essential and require them to have access to firearms.

The Queensland Government have banned firearms dealers from remaining open as they have been declared 'non-essential services.'

In Western Australia, a similar regulation has been implemented but primary producers, professional pest shooters and Indigenous people practising native title rights to hunt are allowed to access firearms and ammunition.

They fear an increased amount of weapons on the street would be dangerous as tensions rise and firearms may be stockpiled or accessed by criminals amid the coronavirus pandemic (pictured: Hospital staff test people outside Tanunda Hospital in South Australia)

This comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tough new social distancing measures on Sunday including a ban on gatherings of more than two people (pictured: Police ushering overseas travellers into the InterContinental Hotel in Sydney)

This comes after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced tough new social distancing measures on Sunday including a ban on gatherings of more than two people.

Mr Morrison has not officially said Australia is in 'stage three' of its response to COVID-19, and left it up to state governments to enforce the restrictions with fines.

But Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has used that phrase to describe his state's strategy, imposing on-the-spot $1,600 fines for breaking the two-person rule.

Under present restrictions in Australia, Victorians also face fines for leaving the house for non-essential reasons and they can only go out for food and supplies, medical care, exercise, work and education.