Prime Minister Scott Morrison unveiled details of a new $100 million Medicare service on Wednesday, in a bid to contain the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The free “telehealth” service, which will come into effect on Friday, will enable people to seek medical help and advice via phone or video technology such as FaceTime and Skype.

That’s instead of them venturing out into the community and risking infection.

A $25 million online prescriptions and home delivery service for medicines will also be available.

Conditions apply, however, and most Australians are unlikely to qualify for the free service.

Most people who get the sniffles or a sore throat - or believe they may have come into contact with someone who has the virus - are more likely to be directed to their local GP or a number of respiratory clinics being set up around the country, Morrison said.

In the video below, top coronavirus questions answered by experts

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“The clinics will be a one-stop-shop for people who are concerned they may have the virus, to be tested and isolated from other patients,” Morrison said.

At-risk groups

So who actually qualifies for the new stay-at-home health service, that will cover them for all health issues, not just COVID-19?

People aged over 70

People with chronic diseases

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged over 50

People whose immune systems are compromised

Pregnant women

New parents with babies

Those already diagnosed with COVID-19 and insolation

The government says it is these groups most at risk from the virus, and treatment from home would minimise their risk of exposure.

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The PM also announced new travel restrictions for Italy on Wednesday.

In measures already in place for those returning from China, Iran and South Korea, Australians returning from Italy will now be required to self-isolate for 14 days.

What is coronavirus?

Coronaviruses are a group of viruses that can cause a range of symptoms including a runny nose, cough, sore throat and fever. Some are mild, such as the common cold, while others are more likely to lead to pneumonia.

The latest strain was discovered in the Chinese province of Wuhan.

How do you get coronavirus?

China says the virus is mutating and can be transmitted through human contact.

It’s primarily spread through a sick person coughing or sneezing on someone but a person could also become infected through contact with the virus particles on a surface, NSW Health warns.

What are coronavirus symptoms?

Symptoms include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Most of those affected are older people and those with underlying health conditions.

How dangerous is the coronavirus?

The virus has caused alarm because it is still too early to know how dangerous it is and how easily it spreads between people.

How do you treat coronavirus?

As it stands, there is no vaccine for the virus and because it is new, humans have not been able to build immunity to it.

A group of Melbourne researchers have been tasked with finding a vaccine, while China is testing the HIV drug Aluvia as a treatment.

How do I protect myself from coronavirus?

WHO’s standard recommendations: