Australia’s chief medical adviser warned a ‘new world’ has emerged from the coronavirus crisis, where social distancing will be the new normal.
With more than 337,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus spread throughout 192 countries – including 1,642 in Australia alone – the nation has taken steps toward a total shutdown.
Brendan Murphy, Australia’s chief medical officer, on Monday spoke of a new reality amid closures of pubs, bars, cinemas, gyms and restaurants.
‘We are now in a different world,’ he said.
‘This world could last for some time… This is the world of social distancing. This is the new way of us interacting with each other all of the time.’
There have been 1,642 cases of coronavirus confirmed in Australia. This map shows the states which have closed off the borders to one another amid the crisis
Under the new social distancing and self isolation policies, Australians will have limited choices on activities in public.
Visiting most beaches, holding a play date in the park or throwing birthday parties and christenings will all be discouraged for at least the next six months while authorities try to wrangle the virus.
Similarly, stage one lockdown proceedings are underway across the nation, closing all restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as cafes, cinemas, places of worship and gyms.
For now, people are able to visit retail stores, hair salons and beauticians, however these may be restricted again if the government is forced to impose stricter lockdowns.
Another major difference in the ‘new world’ is the restrictions on interstate and international holidays. With school holidays fast approaching, families will no longer be able to take a quick trip away to celebrate.
Almost every domestic border has implemented strict control policies, including mandatory 14 day self isolation for any new arrivals.
Beachgoers are seen at Bondi Beach on Friday (pictured) despite the threat of coronavirus, leading to the temporary closure of the beach
Mr Murphy said it is imperative to public health that Australians begin taking social distancing policies more seriously.
On Friday, thousands flocked to Bondi beach despite government orders to remain at a safe 1.5m distance from one another.
In response, Prime Minister Scott Morrison closed the beach – and many others – for the foreseeable future.
‘Most Australians do the right thing but it is no longer acceptable to people to breach that,’ Mr Murphy said.
He said the ‘draconian measures’ that were introduced overnight to close non-essential places of gathering, including places of worship, were agreed upon by all state leaders after concluding that Australians weren’t taking the crisis seriously enough.
‘There may be minor differences in interpretation, but the message is very clear. Do not get close to people other than your family, and do not go to gatherings where you are close to people.’
Mr Murphy discussed a ‘social responsibility’ to slow the spread of the virus by following public health advice.
‘This is serious business now. Nobody can approach this in a cavalier way… I’m not directing that at young people, I’m directing that at all Australians.
Empty tables at a restaurant in Circular Quay in Sydney on Saturday. Bars, restaurants and cafes have all been forced to close dine in services
‘You are putting the lives of vulnerable people at risk if you don’t toe the line.’
In response to the growing threat of COVID-19, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the state would join the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania in closing the borders.
The ban will likely mean that anyone entering Queensland will have to isolate for 14 days.
Australia closed the borders to non-residents last week, but anybody returning home will be required to ‘rigorously quarantine for 14 days,’ Mr Murphy said.
‘If you know anyone who has returned from overseas and is not quarantining, please come down very hard on them.
‘The imported cases will slow down but the challenge in the coming weeks and months is to slow the transmission of the virus.’