The Prime Minister has announced more stringent social distancing measures will be imposed on Friday afternoon.
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The rule will drastically limit the number of people allowed in cafes, restaurants and pubs, allowing just one person per four square metres.
Scott Morrison also said the federal budget would be delayed by five months, setting down a date in October.
Meanwhile, Australia's big four banks also announced they would suspend small business loan repayments for six months to guard against the economic tsunami of coronavirus.
Australia has more than 700 confirmed cases of coronavirus, with four confirmed cases in the ACT. There have been six deaths and 41 recoveries as of this morning.
The fourth ACT patient contracted the virus while travelling in the US and has been in isolation since returning home.
The ACT government will announce a $137 million stimulus package today, which Chief Minister Andrew Barr hopes will save jobs and deliver immediate relief to individuals and sectors most severely affected by measures to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The measures include a rebate for all homeowners in the ACT, tax relief for small businesses and a freeze on fees and charges, including car registration and public transport ticket prices. Small-scale projects will be rushed through the planning application process and arts grants will be brought forward. There's also measures to help public and community housing tenants and charities such as Foodbank and Lifeline.
Canberra hospitals are now only allowing one visitor per patient per day to stem the spread of the virus. Aged care facilities also have tough visitor restrictions, limited two visitors per day for short visits.
A drive-through testing station will open at EPIC today to take pressure off the Weston Creek Walk-In Centre.
At a national level, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Australia's borders will be closed to non-citizens and non-permanent residents from 9pm tonight.
READ MORE:
- ACT government to announce $137m coronavirus stimulus package
- Pharmacists urge for calm as medication demand surges
- Police await advice on coronavirus concerns
- Canberra Times' own self-isolater sees best and worst of humanity
- Cafes move away from reusable coffee cups due to coronavirus
- Explainer: What happens if your international flight is cancelled
- Budget delayed five months, parliament to guarantee supply
- Banks hand loan lifeline to small business
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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Sally Whyte
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
I report on a range of issues in federal politics and the public service, with a real passion for how decisions made in Canberra affect the lives of Australians.
