The Prime Minister has warned of greater uncertainty to come but says the Government has "a clear plan" for Australia as the nation continues to come to terms with the impacts of coronavirus.

Key points: The Government says it is well prepared for the impacts of the virus

The Government says it is well prepared for the impacts of the virus Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is not ruling out further stimulus spending

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg is not ruling out further stimulus spending The Federal Opposition says household payments could also be extended to low-income earners

In a rare address to the nation, last night Scott Morrison sought to reassure and calm Australians.

"I want to assure you and your family tonight that while Australia cannot and is not immune from this virus, we are well prepared and are well equipped to deal with it," he said.

"We do have a clear plan to see Australia through."

The plan outlined involves three priorities:

1. Protecting the health of Australians by restricting international travel 2. Securing jobs and livelihoods through economic stimulus 3. Helping struggling sectors bounce back after the crisis

Mr Morrison delivered the speech after earlier unveiling a $17.6 billion stimulus package, aimed at softening the economic blow from the COVID-19 outbreak.

But the Government has not ruled out that more might be needed to prevent Australia slipping into a recession, saying the package — which it said it expected would last until June at least — could be scaled up if need be.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the Government would monitor the effects of the stimulus package on the economy.

"The coronavirus is not going away, so we will continue to do what is necessary to support the Australian economy," he said.

One of the biggest challenges the Government faces is the ongoing uncertainty and fear in Australia and abroad around the virus.

Around $130 billion was wiped off the Australian share market yesterday after the US announced a temporary ban on travellers from Europe, the latest example of the current volatility of the market.

Federal Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said he would support the Government's stimulus package, but said there was a case for expanding it to other people who would be able — and willing — to spend cash payments.

"I think there's a case that low-income earners could be provided with some assistance," he said.

"We don't want to be difficult, we want to be constructive, but we'll explore the whole package."

Mr Albanese also asked the question many around the country were also thinking yesterday: will the stimulus package work and help Australia avoid a recession.

"It remains to be seen whether [the package] is large enough and timely enough," he said.

What happens now?

Some of the first measures in the package are already available with medium and big businesses able to take advantage of the instant asset write-off tax breaks.

As for welfare recipients, they will have to wait until the end of the month to start receiving their $750 payment.

In his address last night, Mr Morrison also said the Government was committed to working with the most-affected tourism regions, but did not provide any more detail on how a $1 billion fund designed to help the sector would operate.

The coronavirus will also be top of the agenda when state and territory leaders meet for the scheduled Council of Australian Government's (COAG) meeting today.

It will be an opportunity for leaders to discuss the way they intend to respond to the virus threat, including advice for people planning to attend mass gatherings.

The Prime Minister and Opposition Leader have both said they would follow the guidance of medical professionals about the safety of attending mass gatherings like sporting matches.

But some are more concerned.

The West Australian branch of the Australian Medical Association has urged authorities to reconsider Anzac Day services in Perth and world champion Lewis Hamilton expressed his surprise that the Melbourne Grand Prix would go ahead, despite other cancellations because of fear of transmission.