Mass public gatherings of more than 500 people will be effectively banned across Australia, locking out crowds from the AFL, Rugby League and concerts as the government attempts to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The emergency measures, which will not include schools or universities, will be enacted from Monday.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison address State Premiers and Chief Ministers during a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) meeting on Friday. Credit: Dominic Lorrimer

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said a national cabinet made up of state premiers and territory chief ministers would be formed to deal with the crisis. The Department of Foreign Affairs has also advised all Australians to reconsider their need to travel to anywhere in the world.

"Only essential travel should be considered if you are going overseas from this point forward," Mr Morrison said.