Australians are likely to have to change their way of life for at least six months as parts of the nation shut down to combat the coronavirus spread, the prime minister has warned.

Scott Morrison’s acknowledgement of the timeframe comes as states and territories declare public health emergencies, giving officials greater powers to detain people or restrict movements.

In the video above: March 16 coronavirus update

He’s also looking at ways to further boost the economy.

Mr Morrison called for the nation to work together to slow the spread of the virus, acknowledging Australians will face greater restrictions as they seek to carry on with their lives.

“This will be a difficult six months. It could be longer. It could be sooner than that,” he told ABC radio on Monday.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Australian Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Credit: LUKAS COCH / AAPIMAGE

Queensland Nationals senator Susan McDonald has become the second federal politician to test positive for the virus, after Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton was diagnosed last week.

Senator McDonald had not been in direct contact with Mr Dutton and had not been overseas, but had been in Canberra last week.

The total number of cases in Australia has reached more than 360, while the deaths of a 77-year-old and 90-year-old take the toll to five.

Peter Dutton has been told he was not infections when he was in Washington or at a cabinet meeting. Credit: EPA

The country’s deputy chief medical officer Paul Kelly said 80 per cent of cases would be mild and not require hospitalisation.

Non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people have been banned, all people arriving from overseas must quarantine themselves for 14 days, and cruise ships are barred from Australian ports for at least 30 days.

People arriving in Australia will be allowed to transit to their home state if they are well upon arrival, but not if they’re sick.

The nation’s top medical officers met on Monday to consider whether leaders should place further restrictions on indoor gatherings.

In the video below: Scott Morrison calls for ban on ‘non-essential’ mass gatherings

Play Video Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for a ban on no essential mass gatherings beginning on Monday. Prime Minister Scott Morrison has called for a ban on no essential mass gatherings beginning on Monday.

Meanwhile, the prime minister, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann considered further economic measures.

The government last week announced $17.6 billion in support for small and medium businesses and cash payments to people on welfare, but recognises there will be a deeper-than-expected economic impact.

Westpac chief economist Bill Evans said the initial package isn’t enough to avert a recession.

Poor business confidence means they’re unlikely to take advantage of depreciation measures while pensioners and people on welfare are likely to save much of their cash payment.

Australia's death toll from the coronavirus has risen to 5 following the deaths of 2 people in NSW. Credit: AP

Aviation market analysts CAPA warned that without government assistance, the massive drop off in travel means most of the world’s airlines will be bankrupt by the end of May.

Tourism Minister Simon Birmingham acknowledged the impacts on travel and the tourism industry are dire.

“This is going to go on for some time and I fear it will get worse before it gets better,” he told radio station 4CA in Cairns.

The Reserve Bank has pumped extra liquidity into banks to ensure people have access to credit, and financial regulators announced they would meet the big banks and lenders to talk about supporting those who may struggle with mortgage repayments.

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Professor Kelly said it remained the situation that most people in Australia who had the disease had caught it overseas, but the nation was at a “tipping point” with new cases having no overseas link.

Dep. Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has spoken in Canberra about Australia's coronavirus response. Credit: AAP

Asked whether people should start working from home, he said Australians needed to start thinking about what could be done in terms of personal isolation.

NBN says it will work with retailers to ensure there’s enough capacity to keep up with increased residential demand during the day.