All non-essential Australian Defence Force personnel are being withdrawn from Iraq and Afghanistan because of the coronavirus.

Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said all non-essential members would be moved back to Australia’s main logistical base in the Middle East temporarily, and some would be able to come back to Australia.

“This temporary measure is to preserve the safety of our people and partners, and to limit the spread of COVID-19 in operational areas,” Senator Reynolds said.

“There will be no impact to the force-protection of ADF personnel remaining in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

All operations were reviewed regularly with coalition partners, in consultation with Iraqi and Afghanistan governments, according to Senator Reynolds.

The spread of COVID-19 has also seen all training missions in the nations suspended.

It comes as Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy says the government will soon stop testing people who contracted the virus to make sure it has been cleared from their system as it tries to preserve the few test kits available for potential new cases.

However, Australia has also started randomly testing people with general cold and flu symptoms for coronavirus to see if any cases of the deadly disease are being missed.

Prof Murphy said a number of GPs around Australia were already contracted by the government to randomly test patients with respiratory and flu symptoms to collect data about what viruses are in the community, and were now being asked to test for COVID-19.

“We have set up sentinel testing … sampling the community to pick up anyone with a flu-like illness and test them to see whether we are seeing undetected cases,” he said.

media_camera Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy says the government will soon stop testing people who contracted the virus to make sure it has been cleared from their system. Picture: AAP

“That (group) of general practices that are testing every person who comes in – that will give us a read if we’re seeing examples of transmission that we haven’t seen.”

Prof Murphy said Australia had now conducted more than 135,000 COVID-19 tests and was “continually reviewing criteria” as the country would “need” to expand who qualifies for a test.

“We are expanding them already to look at aged care workers, healthcare workers, where there is a serious risk,” he said.

“We know that, in fact, the testing is done more liberally than the criteria at the moment … and in a way that’s good, because we still have a very low positivity rate – one of the lowest in the world.”

Prof Murphy said there were “good indications” Australia would have capacity to significantly expand testing.

He also urged Australians to follow quarantine advice if they had returned from overseas or had contact with a confirmed case, confirming there were plans underway to allow people to “dob in” a neighbour, friend or colleague if they did not comply with the rules.

“That is something we are looking at … I think it will be done at a state and territory level,” he said.

“Every single Australian who lands on our shore, whether it’s from a cruise ship or a plane, or any other means of transportation needs to rigorously quarantine for 14 days now.

“You are placing your fellow citizens at risk if you don’t.

“So, if you know of anyone who has come back from overseas and is not quarantining, please come down very hard on them.”

ADF HELPS TRACK CRUISE SHIP PASSENGERS

The Australian Defence Force is helping NSW health officials track down passengers of the Ruby Princess cruise ship, which could have been exposed to the coronavirus, after authorities let thousands of people disembark the infected ship last week.

In a statement, Defence Minister Linda Reynolds said “Contract Tracing Support Teams” were being established in all states and territories.

“A team of ADF personnel (has been) supporting NSW Health from yesterday,” she said.

There have been 48 confirmed cases of coronavirus among Ruby Princess passengers since they were allowed to disembark in Sydney on Thursday.

Cases linked to the ship have since emerged in Tasmania, WA and the Northern Territory.

Passengers have been urged to go into self-isolation for 14 days after authorities failed to test them for coronavirus when disembarking.

PROTECTIVE GEAR REACHES CRITICALLY LOW LEVELS

It comes as eighty Catholic hospitals which provide 10 per cent of the nation’s public hospital beds are running out of face masks, gloves, gowns and other protective gear with some having less than a week’s supply as COVID-19 stretches the system.

Catholic Health Australia is calling on the Morrison Government to urgently release stockpiles of personal protective equipment (PPE) to its hospital staff as stocks in its network reach critically low levels.

The Catholic network employs tens of thousands of nurses and clinical staff.

“Requests by Catholic hospitals to access stocks of gowns, masks and gloves have been met with confusion, buck passing between the states and the Commonwealth and even a diktat that supplies will be released only to publicly owned hospitals,” Catholic Health Australia CEO Pat Garcia said.

Almost one in ten public hospital beds are located in Catholic hospitals but because they are not directly owned by the state they are being denied access to the stockpiles, he said.

In some cases personal protective equipment stocks in Catholic hospitals would run out in as little as a week and Mr Garcia has written to state, territory and federal health ministers warning of the imminent shortfall.

media_camera A US doctor takes a sample from to test for coronavirus at a drive-through station in a Maryland’s hospital's parking. Picture: AFP

“We cannot have a situation where thousands of doctors and nurses are treating people unprotected – it’s a shocking situation for patients, staff and the wider community. We need every weapon in our arsenal to fight the coronavirus and masks, gowns and gloves are the very basics. It would be like sending in our fireys to fight fires without a truck.”

Mr Garcia said Catholic hospitals are running testing clinics, treating COVID-19 patients and ramping up the capacity in their wards and emergency departments to alleviate pressure on public hospitals.

“We are working with everyone in the wider health network to fight this virus. All we are asking for is the same access as the public network and for a clear and efficient way for our people to get hold of PPE supplies in a timely fashion.”

Dr Shane Kelly, Chief Executive of the St John of God group, which runs 17 hospitals in Western Australia, Victoria and NSW, said time is running out.

“As of today if I can’t get hold of some more PPE stocks, some of my hospitals will run out in a week. In order to protect nurses, doctors and other health care workers, and to help to reduce infections, we need sufficient stocks of gloves, gowns and masks to continue to operate, and we are just not getting the right information on how we can access the stockpile.

“We have been endeavouring to do everything we can to manage stocks but we cannot and will not compromise the safety of our staff and ultimately our patients.”

NEW ZEALAND NEARS COMPLETE LOCKDOWN

New Zealand is moving to a near-complete societal lockdown within 48 hours as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern aims to seize on a “window of opportunity” to contain COVID-19.

Military personnel will join with police in enforcing nationwide self-isolation under the unprecedented restrictions.

Schools and non-essential businesses will close, public transport and air travel will effectively end as the government ramps up its public coronavirus advisory to the maximum level from Thursday.

“Now is the time to put our plans into action,” Ms Ardern said.

“We need to act now, or risk the virus taking hold as it has elsewhere.

“We currently have 102 cases, but so did Italy once.”

media_camera NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has told schools and non-essential businesses they must close amid the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Ardern’s announcement came as New Zealand confirmed a jump of 36 positive tests for the virus in the past 24 hours, including the first two cases of community transmission.

New Zealand has recorded 102 cases, and no deaths, of COVID-19. By comparison, Australia has recorded at least 1600 cases.

The draconian measures have been championed by public health experts and supported by all of New Zealand’s political parties.

They will take effect for at least four weeks, and dramatically change life as Kiwis know it.

Everyday human interactions will be limited to within households. Kiwis will be allowed outside to walk the dog, or exercise by themselves, or to visit supermarkets or health services.

But only industries deemed “essential” – including health and emergency services workers, police, some public servants and media – will be allowed to continue, and otherwise citizens will be asked to stay home.

media_camera Auckland’s White Cross Clinic starts testing for walk in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Picture: Getty Images

Ms Ardern said fresh advice and modelling in the case of widespread transmission made the lockdown essential.

“If community transmission takes off in New Zealand the number of cases will double every five days,” she said.

“If that happens unchecked, our health system will be inundated, and tens of thousands of New Zealanders will die.”

Ms Ardern said she was fully aware of the sacrifices she was asking from Kiwis.

“I do not underestimate what I’m asking New Zealanders to do. It is huge. And I know it will feel daunting,” she said.

media_camera A statue outside a restaurant wears a mask in central Christchurch, New Zealand. Picture: AP

“Everything you will all give up for the next few weeks, all of the lost contact with others.

All of the isolation and difficult time entertaining children, it will literally save lives, thousands of lives.

“The worst case scenario is simply intolerable. It would represent the greatest loss of New Zealanders lives and our history. And I will not take that chance.”

Parliament will also be recalled for an emergency session on Wednesday, in which Ms Ardern will table an epidemic notice to enforce the lockdown.

It remains to be seen whether the New Zealand election can be held on September 19 as planned.

QUEENSLAND CLOSES BORDERS

Queensland’s borders will be closed in a bid to halt COVID-19 spreading across the state.

It comes after people were blocked from hanging out publicly and in large groups to comply with Australia’s strict new social shutdown policies. The state government made the decision on Monday.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk says the national closure of bars, pubs, clubs, casinos, indoor sports venues and religious venues to control coronavirus is being enforced.

Queenslanders must take the new measures seriously.

Council elections and by-elections in Currumbin and Ipswich are going ahead on Saturday after postal voting and pre-polling periods were extended to avoid mass crowds.

media_camera A man wearing a protective face mask is seen walking along the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane. Picture: AAP

Health Minister Steven Miles says there have been 60 additional cases confirmed overnight, bringing the state’s total to 319.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has already announced a 500-officer-strong taskforce to enforce the dramatic shutdowns announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday night.

Queensland announced a task force looking at Brisbane’s party precinct at the weekend.

“I talked yesterday about some tough love and more will be rolled out in the coming weeks and months,” Ms Palaszczuk said on Monday.

“We know that if we are all playing our part and we’re all working together, we can absolutely get through this.” She said there was light at the end of the coronavirus tunnel, but only if everyone followed orders to stay 1.5 metres away from each other, and the government’s social closure orders.

TELEHEALTH CONSULTATIONS TO ATTRACT MEDICARE REBATE

All doctors consultations will soon attract a Medicare rebate if they are conducted over the telephone under a major shift to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Health Minister Greg Hunt has finally agreed to the demands of every peak medical group to consider the change and is negotiating on how it will be rolled out.

Doctors have argued by requiring most patients to attend a doctor’s office in person patients were being put at risk of the virus in medical waiting rooms.

Doctors were also concerned they could contract the virus if they saw patients in person.

And doctors in quarantine because they were suspected of having the virus were unable to work because they were not being paid if they carried out patient consultations over the phone.

Mr Hunt said the Government is consulting with the AMA, RACGP ACRRM, RDAA to co‑design stage four of our telehealth whole of population response.

“The co-design will look to the best practise expansion of telehealth items for all patients, with or without COVID-19, to see any general practitioner, medical specialist, mental health or allied health professional during the COVID-19 health emergency,” he said.

Australian Medical Association president Dr Tony Bartone said that the AMA was working very closely with Health Minister Greg Hunt to deliver better telehealth access to all Australians as a matter of urgency in this crisis.

“The Government is committed to further changes to Medicare to support a comprehensive telehealth model of care, and this includes finalising the detail of further telehealth operations via phone and video by the end of this week,” Dr Bartone said.

“This commitment will see the Government co-design the best practice expansion of telehealth items for all patients, with or without COVID-19, to see any GP or other medical specialist during the COVID-19 health emergency,” he said.

MILLIONS AFFECTED BY HOSPO CLOSURES

Up to a quarter of a million workers are affected by the closure of pubs and other venues at noon today.

Australian Hotels Association CEO Stephen Ferguson said it was a sad day for pubs but the health of staff and patrons was paramount.

“In times like this, it is essential for us all to follow the instructions of our Governments and medical officers,” Mr Ferguson said.

“But there’s no doubt this move is already having a devastating impact on our direct national workforce of 250,000 and our millions of patrons.

“We saw what an important role hotels play in their communities during the recent bushfires across large parts of the nation – today’s closure is an unprecedented move which will have a big social impact for months to come.

“Our hoteliers, their families and staff are obviously devastated – we are doing all we can for them.”

PARAMEDICS PLAYING RUSSIAN ROULETTE WITH THEIR HEALTH

Frontline paramedics are concerned they are not being informed whether patients they are racing to help have COVID-19 and as a result they are not wearing proper protective gear.

The Australian Paramedics Association (NSW) said it had received reports of paramedics attending multiple cases a day where they don’t have enough information to make a decision about whether to use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

There is not enough personal protective gear at ambulance stations and this means paramedics have to make a choice about which cases carry the highest risk.

media_camera Paramedics are not wearing protective gear putting them at risk of COVID-19. Picture: Istock

“We are deeply concerned that this may turn paramedics into ‘super spreaders’ of the virus,”

APA (NSW) President and operational Paramedic Chris Kastelan said.

“We support paramedics standing off at scene until accurate information can be obtained. We are asking NSWA to establish more robust processes. Paramedics are at the frontline of our health system and we simply cannot risk having them contract this virus,” he said.

MYGOV WEBSITE CRASHES AS CENTRELINK SWAMPED

Long queues snaked around Centrelink offices around the country today as the Federal Government’s online portal for unemployment benefits crashed under the increased strain caused by coronavirus lockdown measures.

Both the Centrelink app and the entire MyGov portal fell over shortly before 9am AEDT, with users unable to log into their accounts to update their information or register for allowances including Newstart.

Some users on DownDetector said the MyGov portal had been suffering outages since Friday, and had stopped accepting file uploads.

Social media users also reported being unable to get through to Centrelink over the phone, instead met with messages to call back later.

media_camera Long queues at Centrelink Darlinghurst, Sydney.

The platform’s crash came the day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced stringent lockdown measures to ensure social distancing in an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 in Australia.

Clubs, pubs, sporting venues, churches, cinemas, gyms and casinos will all shut their doors at midday today across the country.

Restaurants and cafes will also close, but be allowed to serve takeaway, while essential services – including retail shops, offices, workplaces and schools – will remain open, the prime minister announced last night.

Schools will be required to stay open until the end of term, and continue after the holidays provided health advice does not change, however parents will be allowed to keep their children at home if they want to.

‘THIS WILL PUT US TO THE TEST’: PM

Australians are being urged to stick together as they face what will be the most challenging year of their lives.

In an address to a socially distanced House of Representatives in Canberra, Scott Morrison invoked the spirit of the Diggers.

“So we summon the spirit of the Anzacs, of our great Depression generation, of those who built the Snowy, of those who won the great peace of World War II and defended Australia,” Mr Morrison said.

media_camera Australian Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese uses hand sanitiser as he attends a parliamentary sitting under rules of social distancing. Picture: AAP

“For many, young and old, 2020 will be the toughest year of our lives.”

He insisted the virus was a huge challenge, the biggest most living Australians had ever faced, but said they would get through it.

“In the weeks ahead, this will put us all to the test,” Mr Morrison said.

“Together, Australia, we are up to this challenge.”

He said the challenge would not break the Australian spirit.

media_camera Prime Minister Scott Morrison urges Australians to do their part to fight COVID-19. Picture: Getty Images

Fewer than 80 politicians sat in the chamber to hear the address, ahead of a long day passing budget and stimulus measures.

Mr Morrison said the elected parliamentarians had “important work to do” today.

It is not yet known how many days federal parliament will sit this week, with Mr Morrison yesterday flagging it could be the final time it sits physically for a number of months.

Mr Morrison addressed small business owners who were concerned for the viability of what they have built.

“This is devastating and it is heartbreaking,” he said.

“We will do all we can … to see you through.

“There will be more support to come.”

media_camera Scott Morrison addressing a shrunk parliament. Picture: Getty Images

The leader urged people of faith to turn to their god in this trying time, despite places of worship being closed from noon Monday.

“I can assure you, my prayers knees are getting a workout,” Mr Morrison said.

He insisted the country would get though the challenge.

“We will be stronger on the other side,” he said.

Labor leader Anthony Albanese addressed the parliament after the Prime Minister.

He assured the government Labor would not stand in the way of any legislation in relation to stimulus or health.

“This is a time for national leadership, consistent messages, clear directions,” he said.

STRICT NEW MEASURES RESULT OF RISE IN CASES

During the 11th hour announcement following a tense national cabinet meeting with every state and territory leader, Mr Morrison lamented the possibility Australian children would lose a year of their education and said parents who chose to keep their child home must be responsible for them.

“Those children staying at home, it is not an excuse for them to go down to the shopping centre or to go and congregate somewhere else or potentially put themselves in contact with the vulnerable and elderly population,” he said.

“If you choose to keep your child at home … it is important that they observe the strict social distancing arrangements that have been advised to the public.”

media_camera Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison. Picture: AFP

The announcement came as Italy’s death toll grew by 651 yesterday – just slightly lower than the 793 deaths recorded the previous day. The country’s death toll stood at 5476.

Nearly 60,000 cases have been recorded in Italy.

The head of Italy’s Civil Protection Agency, Angelo Borrelli, noted that the increases had narrowed from recent days, adding “we hope that this trend can be confirmed in the coming days. We should not lower our guard.”

Mr Morrison said the new local measures are considered “Stage 1,” but further restrictions have not been decided and would depend on medical advice and the spread of coronavirus in Australia.

Mr Morrison said the closure of non-essential social venues would not in any way impact the operation of supermarkets, bottle shops and other retail stores, cautioning Australians against unnecessary panic buying.

“There’s no need for that,” he said.

“We are not putting in place lockdowns that … confine (people) to their home.

“Shopping centres are not closed.”

Mr Morrison said while churches and other places of worship would be closed, indoor services for funerals would still be allowed provided the strict rule of one person per four square metres and no more than 100 people in total were followed.

Workplaces and offices must follow the same arrangements, but can remain open.

Hotels can continue to operate the accommodation part of their business, but not any licensed pub or club areas.

Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy said the strict new measures had been brought in partly due to the rise in coronavirus cases in Australia and also because the public had not been practising social distancing effectively.

media_camera Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy. Picture: Gary Ramage

“People have not been getting the messages and … we’ve recommended unanimously that these fairly dramatic and drastic recommendations be put in place because we have to stop those situations where viruses pass readily,” he said.

“We’ve had some events in Australia where 35 people have picked up the virus from one particular function.

“We cannot allow this sort of spread to happen.”

media_camera Pictures of a crowded Bondi Beach shocked the world and angered Australian officials. Picture: Brendan Read

Prof Murphy said Australians needed to learn to “live differently”.

“We’ve seen some irresponsible behaviour from people who were told to quarantine and have not, and they have spread the virus,” he said.

“You are putting your fellow Australians at risk if you break that rule so please, every one of us has to do our bit.

“We have to save our vulnerable Australians from what could be – and we’ve seen this in other countries – fairly devastating impacts if we get a widespread pandemic in this country.”

Singapore-based Australian scientist Professor Dale Fisher told 60 Minutes he was concerned that Australians weren’t taking self-isolation measures seriously enough – and warned the pandemic had only just started.

“This hasn’t started. I don’t want to be alarmist because this is something we can control, but the world needs to wake up,” Prof Dale said.

“We’re in a holding pattern until we can get a vaccine or a treatment. Every country really just has to minimise the effect, contain the spread and keep the curve underneath the capacity of the health system.”

PM WARNS AUSSIES AS LOCKDOWN LOOMS

Earlier, Mr Morrison warned schools could be closed for the “entire year” if Australians don’t co-operate with authorities to stem the spread of the coronavirus.

Victorian schools are to close on Tuesday, with the state bringing forward the Easter holidays.

Other states and territories are open to the idea but have not finalised any decisions.

Mr Morrison said current medical advice was that closing schools would not be useful as it would lead to problems in securing enough doctors, nurses and other health professionals.

However, he said the states and territories could be forced to take “severe measures” if Australians continued to ignore warnings to maintain safe distances from other people, stay home from work if sick, and limit travel.

“If there is not a broad co-operation in the population … states will have to take more severe measures,” Mr Morrison told ABC TV tonight.

“(The restrictions) just won’t be for a couple of weeks. I mean kids could lose their entire year of school. That’s what’s at stake here.” Mr Morrison said in an earlier interview his family was heeding current medical advice.

“My kids will be going to school in the morning and … we will be following the medical advice,” Mr Morrison said.

media_camera Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian (on screen) during a national cabinet meeting to discuss COVID-19 from the telepresence room of Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: AAP

“For those health workers and others, a complete closure of schools across the country would take out 30 per cent of our health workforce.

“Now, you could imagine what the health impact would be.” Mr Morrison said the evidence remained that the incidence of coronavirus among younger people was far lower than for the rest of the population. “But we will continue to consider all of these issues based on the expert advice,” he said.

“We will do that in a calm and reasoned manner … all working together and being nationally co-ordinated in our responses.” Labor leader Anthony Albanese said it was important to have a consistent approach in terms of schools, questioning whether the prime minister’s national cabinet was unified.

“One of the concerns that has been out there is the changing messages from day to day,” he said.

“If you think a decision is going to be made next week or the week after, make it today.

“Because the sooner we act, the more effective it will be.” Mr Morrison said it was naive to think there could be a one-size-fits-all approach across the states and territories.

“They need to make the decision about how much further they go … on the basis of the health advice they have and the specific situation in their state,” he said.

Iconic theme parks Dreamworld and WhiteWater World will be closed from Monday amid COVID-19 concerns and government restrictions.

AFL SUSPENDED, NRL TO PLAY ON

The AFL has taken the dramatic decision to suspend its 2020 competition, with boss Gillon McLachlan saying “the AFL industry is facing its biggest financial crisis”.

But rival code the NRL is refusing to close down its season at this stage amid reports all 16 teams in the competition could be moved to Sydney – or even a tiny town in Central Queensland – to overcome lockdowns and travel bans.

At this stage, the AFL competition – which was already being played in empty stadiums – is on hold until at least May 31. But the drastic measure could well continue past that date depending on medical advice.

“To say this is the most serious crisis to hit our league in 100 years is an understatement,” AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan said in announcing the decision.

“As a community and as a code, we all need to take the unprecedented and required actions to get through this together.”

media_camera The match between West Coast and Melbourne in Perth on Sunday afternoon was the final AFL game before the competition was suspended. Picture: Getty

The AFL Women’s season will also be shut down and no premiership given out.

Describing the decision as “a temporary halt”, McLachlan said: “We will review the situation by the end of April to determine whether a further suspension period would be required. The May 31 resumption time will be reviewed and depending on the medical advice and government regulations in place the date could be extended out.

“The decision by various state governments to close their borders and travel bans and other measures meant it was time for the AFL to immediately stop the AFLW and AFL competitions.

“The AFL industry is facing its biggest financial crisis in our history.

“Over the next 48 hours, both the AFL and clubs will detail the drastic and immediate steps we need to take to cut costs.

“Our key priority is to do everything possible to keep players, staff and supporters healthy and well through this pandemic.”

media_camera AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan. Picture: AAP

Meanwhile, the NRL is reportedly exploring an option to relocate its entire competition to Queensland in a last-ditch bid to save the game from a $500 million wipe out and extinction.

League officials were on Sunday night locked in emergency discussions in a desperate attempt to keep the 2020 premiership alive following the AFL’s decision to suspend its season immediately amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to the Courier Mail.

As states around Australia ramped up lockdown guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19, the NRL was considering shifting all 16 clubs to the small Queensland town of Calliope, near Gladstone, where the 500 players and officials would live in a 1392-room purpose-built village once used as a miners’ camp.

The NRL has estimated abandoning the entire season will cost the game $500 million and almost certainly kill it.

The NRL has so far refused to bow to public pressure to shut down the competition and ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys confirmed moving to Queensland was an option, while it has also been reported the competition could be consolidated in NSW.

media_camera ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys. Picture: Getty

“The AFL have got different circumstances. They’ve got teams throughout Australia where as we’ve only got them in three states. We can continue on without too much drama,” ARL Commission chairman Peter V’landys said.

“Relocation is definitely an option and we are looking at that right at the moment.

“Gladstone is the one place we could go to but there are some logistic problems to overcome before we go through with it. But certainly relocating the players is on the table.”

Prepare for Olympic delay: AOC to athletes

AOC TELLS ATHLETES TO PREPARE FOR OLYMPIC DELAY

The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) has told its athletes to prepare for a Tokyo Olympics in the northern summer of 2021.

The AOC says an Australian team can’t be assembled for the Tokyo Games, which is scheduled to start in July 24.

“We have athletes based overseas, training at central locations around Australia as teams and managing their own programs. With travel and other restrictions this becomes an untenable situation,” AOC chief executive Matt Carroll said in a statement today.

media_camera Tokyo 2020 Olympics officials excitedly receive the Olympic flame in Tokyo. The IOC may be about to blow it out. Picture: AP

It follows Prime Minister Scott Morrison telling Australia’s athletes they won’t be going to the Tokyo Olympics in July because the new ban on Australians travelling overseas applies to everyone – including any athletes selected for the Olympics.

“The AOC will make their decision but the simple answer is that we have a complete travel ban to the rest of the world, so the smartraveller advice and the advice from the Department of Foreign Affairs I think is pretty clear,” he told 7 News.

“The health of all Australians is the most important thing and there’s nothing more important than that.”

ITALY’S TRAGIC DEATH TOLL SHOWS NO SIGN OF SLOWING

Italy’s world-topping toll from the coronavirus pandemic approached 5,500 on Sunday after the Mediterranean country reported another 651 deaths.

The latest daily toll was smaller than Saturday’s record 793 fatalities but still the second-highest registered during Italy’s month-long crisis.

The number of new infections rose by 10.4 per cent to 59,138. Italy’s death toll now stands at 5,476.

“The figures announced today are lower than those for yesterday,” Italian civil protection service chief Angelo Borrelli told reporters.

media_camera Italian soldiers patrol the square facing Duomo gothic cathedral in downtown Milan, Italy. Picture: AP

“I hope and we all hope that these figures can be borne out in the coming days. But do not let your guard down.” Sunday’s figures suggest that strict containment measures imposed around the northern epicentre of the crisis near Milan on March 8 might be starting to bear fruit.

Milan’s Lombardy region reported just 30.4 per cent of the new infections on Sunday.

It had been reporting about two-thirds of Italy’s coronavirus deaths throughout the crisis.

The region of 10 million officially registered 55.5 per cent of Sunday’s COVID-19 deaths.

“We must not get too enthusiastic or over-interpret things,” Italian government scientific committee expert Franco Locatelli said.

But “it is a sign that we welcome positively,” he said.

The pandemic has put northern Italy’s world-class healthcare system under massive strain.

Sunday’s figures showed the number of patients receiving intensive care rising above 3,000 for the first time.

media_camera Italy's Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte. Picture: AFP

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte announced stricter measures on Sunday Australian time as he desperately tries to slow the epidemic.

“This is the most difficult challenge after the war,” he said.

“We will close all non-crucial production activities. But supermarkets, food, pharmacies and parapharmacies will remain open.”

Mr Conte said those who died were not just numbers, but people with families who were mourning them.

“We are living a nightmare,” he said.

PM’S $189 BILLION VIRUS PLAN

Casual, self-employed and other workers who have lost income due to the coronavirus shut down will be paid at least $550 a fortnight to help them survive the next six months.

Pensioners will receive a second $750 cash hit in July, while businesses who keep on employees will get up to $100,000 to stay afloat amid the deepening economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The economic measures designed to boost Australia’s “safety net” unveiled by the federal government yesterday are expected to cost $66 billion, with plans for a third wave of spending already underway.

People suffering hardship will also be allowed to take out up to $20,000 from their superannuation across two financial years.

media_camera Prime Minister Scott Morrison during a press conference at Parliament House on Sunday. Picture: Getty Images

Anyone who has lost work because of the coronavirus crisis will be able to apply for the jobseeker allowance – which is up to about $550 a fortnight – and get an additional short-term top of $550, meaning many unemployed people will be eligible for $1100 a fortnight.

About one million Australians are expected to take up the coronavirus supplement payment, which has no waiting period and will not be asset tested.

Mr Morrison said the economic plan – announced just 10 days after the first stimulus package – brought the government’s measures to $189 billion.

“That is unprecedented in this country,” he said.

“We will be supercharging our safety net.

“We’ll be supporting the most vulnerable to the impacts of the crisis, those who will feel those first blows.”

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Mr Morrison warned the government’s two rescue packages – totalling about ten per cent of Australia’s GDP – would not be the last.

“There will be more issues that even now have not presented themselves or could not even be conceived at this point with what we may face over the next six months,” he said.

“We will be working night and day to ensure we bring forward the measures Australia needs to get them on this bridge to the recovery on the other side.”

Mr Morrison said people who qualified for the coronavirus supplement through the jobseeker allowance would also gain access to “normal” benefit payments including rental assistance, family tax benefits and the pharmaceutical allowance.

The prime minister said Australians’ compliance with social distancing rules, such as stopping unnecessary travel, staying 1.5m away from others and avoiding crowds directly impacted the government’s ability to keep the country running.

“People cannot be cavalier about these things,” he said.

“They must take them extremely seriously because lives and livelihoods are at stake.

“But the more social distancing we do, the less severe the economic impacts have to be.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said from July 13 everyone on income support who is not eligible for the coronavirus supplement will get an extra $750 in cash, which is on top of the $750 due to hit welfare recipients’ bank accounts from the end of March.

media_camera Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and PM Scott Morrison during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Gary Ramage

“This includes those receiving the age pension, a carers allowance, family tax benefit and

the Commonwealth senior card. 5.2 million Australians in total,” he said.

Mr Frydenberg said Australians in financial stress will also be able to access more of their money in superannuation.

“From April, those affected will gain access to that superannuation, capped at $10,000 this financial year and a further $10,000 next financial year,” he said.

Mr Frydenberg said the government would also give retirees more “flexibility” to manage their super by halving the required drawdown amount.

The government has lowered deeming rates in line with the Reserve Bank’s emergency rates cut, which is expected to help up to 900,000 pensioners.

The government’s package for small and medium businesses also includes a cash injection of at least $20,000 up to a possible $100,000, which will also apply to not for profit organisations with a turnover of less than $50 million.

media_camera Australians in financial stress will also be able to access more of their money in superannuation, says Treasurer Josh Frydenberg. Picture: Gary Ramage

“This will be a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of employers, like the local hairdresser, the local coffee shop, the local mechanic whose income has been significantly reduced over this difficult period,” Mr Frydenberg said.

The Commonwealth is also offering to guarantee unsecured loans of up to $250,000 for three years to encourage reluctant companies to borrow.

The government will also provide relief to directors of corporations for personal liability when the company is trading while insolvent.

Mr Frydenberg said the global and domestic economic environment had seriously deteriorated in the short time since the government’s first stimulus package.

“We now expect the economic shock to be deeper, wider and longer,” he said.

“Every arm of government and industry is working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business and to build a bridge to recovery on the other side.”

Labor’s treasury spokesman Jim Chalmers said the opposition was concerned the response “lacks urgency” and did not go far enough to protect jobs, but would work with the government to get the legislation through parliament.

“Every Australian needs the Government to get this right, which means getting the original stimulus and today’s additional measures out the door as soon as possible, and urgently closing the gaps identified by Labor and others,” he said.

A special reduced federal parliament of just 90 MPs will sit today to pass the emergency measures and ensure cash can flow to recipients as soon as possible.

It is hoped this could be completed within two days, but the prime minister has conceded the parliament may not be able to convene to pass future economic measures.

“We have to be conscious of the fact that because of the spread of the virus, it may not be physically possible to convene the parliament over the next six months,” Mr Morrison said.

“So the plan is to move to a much more emergency mode operation for the parliament, but … ensuring that any of the measures that are taken to support Australians are done so consistent with our parliamentary democracy.”

NEW YORK CASES SOAR ALARMINGLY

New York’s coronavirus cases jumped 46 per cent in a single day as its leaders said “people would die” if the US government doesn’t step up its assistance.

The state now accounts for five per cent of the world’s coronavirus cases and has become the worst hit in America.

Mayor Bill de Blasio said New York City’s hospitals were racing toward calamity, as the city’s death toll climbed to 64, with almost 10,000 positive cases.

“All military personnel who are medically trained should be sent to places where this crisis is deep, like New York, right now,” Mr de Blasio said.

media_camera A pedestrian in New York City. The state has about 10 times more cases than any other US state. Picture: AP

“If there are ventilators being produced anywhere in the country, we need to get them to New York. Not weeks from now or months from now, in the next 10 days.

“If the president does not act, people will die who could have lived otherwise.”

It came as Governor Andrew Cuomo said he was having to fight against other, less overwhelmed states, for medical resources – New York State has about 10 times more cases than any other single US state.

media_camera US Senator Rand Paul. Picture: AFP, Republican of Kentucky, walks to participate in a series of votes related to a bill in response

“That’s not the way it should be,” he said.

“This is just an impossible situation to manage. If we don’t get the equipment, we can lose lives that we could have otherwise saved if we had the right equipment.”

Mr Cuomo announced four new hospitals would be established in existing structures across the state, including Stony Brook University, SUNY Old Westbury, the Javits Center and in Westchester County.

media_camera New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. Picture: AFP

Of the those who died in the state of New York, seventy per cent were aged over 70 years, and 80 per cent of the younger fatalities had underlying health conditions, he said.

“This is literally a matter of life and death,” Mr Cuomo said, calling on FEMA and the military to step in and help.

“[If] we get these facilities up, we get the supplies, we will save lives.

“If we don’t, we will lose lives.

“That is the simple fact of this matter. From my point of view, construction can start tomorrow.”

The number of cases across New York State reached 15,168, with 9,045 in the five boroughs, on Sunday, up 4,812 since the day before.

More than half the state’s cases are aged 18 to 49 years.

media_camera A nearly deserted Times Square. Picture: AP

Mr Cuomo said strict shutdowns across the state could last “four months, five months, nine months”.

“We’re in that range,” he said.

“Start planning accordingly.”

Meanwhile, key President Trump ally Rand Paul became the first US senator to test positive. He said he was unaware he had been in contact with anyone who was infected.

It follows two Democrat House members revealing they had also tested positive.

FOOD PARCELS FOR MILLIONS IN UK

Britain will deliver food parcels to up to 1.5 million people as it pleads with the sick, vulnerable and the elderly to stay at home for 12 weeks.

The UK is sending out letters to people over 70 and others considered at risk asking them to stay home.

They will also be offered help with food and medicine drops if they do not have a support network to keep them going.

Some parks are being closed in the UK, as people continue to gather despite social distancing rules demanding they stay two metres apart with Britain climbing up its coronavirus curve.

It comes as German Chancellor Angela Merkel has been quarantined after a doctor who treated her tested positive for coronavirus.

media_camera German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Picture: AFP

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the UK needed to increase its measures, but stopped short of a complete lockdown with police patrolling the streets.

“Today we have come to the stage of our plan that I advertised from the outset when we first set out the plan of the UK government,” he said.

“When we now have to take special steps to protect the particularly vulnerable and you’ll remember that I said the moment would come to shield those with serious conditions – there are probably about one and a half million in all.

“This shielding will do more than any other single measure that we are setting out, to save life.”

media_camera British Prime Minister Boris Johnson. Picture: AP

In France, the first doctor has died as the toll hit 562, with almost 15,000 cases.

The country has ordered 250 million face masks.

Germany, along with the Chancellor being quarantined, has banned gatherings of more than two people, except for families.

Ms Merkel was told about her doctor’s positive test after delivering a media conference, raising concerns that she may have spread the virus if she was also infected.

Spain has planned to extend its lockdown beyond Easter as it closely follows Italy’s horrible coronavirus death toll, with 1,756 deaths.

A conference centre in Madrid was being set up as a makeshift military hospital, with television images showing similar setups to some of the hospitals used in the Spanish flu in 1918.

media_camera How hospitals were set up in Australia to fit the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918. Picture: News Regional Media

Italy has closed all non-essential factory production lines as it tries anything it can to stem the spread of the illness.

In Pakistan, telephone companies have been swapping ringtones when people call each other for messages warning about COVID-19, while doctors and nurses have been posting pictures of the bruising on their faces from warning protective equipment while treating patients.

Pakistan so far has 730 cases but there were concerns of a higher death toll because of the country’s already struggling health system compared with Western hospitals.

India has 396 cases but has already begun lockdowns in some regions until March 31 as they try to avoid the mistakes other countries have made with the disease.

media_camera Buildings and streets in Turin, Italy, are seen during the lockdown due to the coronavirus. Italian PM Giuseppe Conte has told the nation he is tightening the lockdown to fight the rampaging spread of the coronavirus, shutting down all production facilities except those that are ‘necessary, crucial, indispensable to guarantee essential goods’. Picture: AP

media_camera The new daily reality in Turin, Italy, amid the coronavirus pandemic. Picture: AP

And it is feared that the virus was also about to hit eastern Europe and the Middle East, with Turkey recording more than 600 cases, and Iraq more than 200 cases.

There are more than 3.5 million refugees in Turkey in makeshift refugee camps, with concerns it would wreak havoc if it was spread there.

Iran has more than 7,000 recovered patients from its 20,000 infections, as the world races to find a treatment for coronavirus.