Coronavirus cases hit 2,000 in Australia

Coronavirus cases hit 2,000 in Australia – with eight dead – as Scott Morrison considers ‘draconian measures’ to fight the killer virus

  • Coronavirus cases have hit 2,000 in Australia, with eight people dead
  • The government is considering new measures to stop the spread of the virus
  • Scott Morrison is meeting his ‘war cabinet’ tonight to discuss new restrictions 
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

Coronavirus cases in Australia have hit 2,000 after another surge in people falling ill.

As the number of cases continues to spiral, the government is considering bringing in ‘draconian’ measures to stop its spread.

Scott Morrison is meeting his ‘war cabinet’ tonight and could announce ‘stage two’ measures, however he has so far ruled out a full lockdown like the one announced in the UK by Boris Johnson.

Coronavirus cases in Australia have hit 2,000 after another surge in people falling ill

Health Minister Greg Hunt deferred questions about what stage two may look like and when it would come in, but said discussions would take place tonight.

‘The general direction obviously is about people spending more time at home [and] obviously keeping distance,’ he said.

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 2,008

New South Wales: 818

Victoria: 411

Queensland: 397

Western Australia: 140

South Australia: 170

Australian Capital Territory: 39

Tasmania: 28 

Northern Territory: 5

TOTAL CASES:  2,008

DEAD: 8

‘We are developing a staged approach. We recognise and appreciation what has happened in other parts of the world and indeed all of us are learning from each other.

‘But obviously this notion of greater isolation, more time at home, less time out in groups, [is] what we are encouraging.’

After Mr Morrison and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee met today, the issue would be discussed by the National Cabinet tonight.

Mr Hunt stressed that stage 2 was ‘not the last stage’ and a graduated series of steps to a full lockdown – if required – was being ironed out.

‘We have always indicated as the Prime Minister said and the national cabinet said, this was stage one,’ he said.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk