Coronavirus: Prime Minister Scott Morrison addresses the nation

The Prime Minister has vowed to keep Australia running. 

He announced measures to halt the spread of coronavirus as it spreads around the world.

Mr Morrison met with the national cabinet of health officers and state leaders on Tuesday.

Italy, Spain and France have introduced policies forcing citizens to stay indoors to control the respiratory infection as cases soar past 187,000 globally.

On Tuesday, Australians overseas were urged to return home as soon as possible and would-be holidaymakers told to ‘reconsider their need for travelling’.

‘If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means,’ the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said.

Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt on Sunday said ‘all options are on the table’ for consideration, and Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy agreed.

If the government does announce a nationwide lockdown as parts of Europe have done, Australians will likely be confined to their homes and be banned from social gatherings, travelling, gambling and dining out. 

This morning the government said it is considering whether to close the nation’s schools as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases continues to rise.

‘We are continuing to take the very best medical advice on that… That advice is very clear at the moment that the best thing as a nation that we can do is keep our schools open,’ Education Minister Dan Tehan told Nine’s Today show on Wednesday.

But some public and private schools have already opted to shut their gates.

‘That is up to them,’ Mr Tehan said.

The government has been hesitant about closing schools for two reasons.

‘One is we have to look after our workforce and especially our medical workforce,’ the minister said.

‘Up to 30 per cent of our medical workforce could be impacted if schools close.

‘The second reason is a health reason. If you have kids at home often elderly grandparents have to come in to look after them and that puts them at danger.’

Recent cases in schools, including Epping Boys’ High School and Willoughby Girls High School in Sydney, have resulted in them closing down for cleaning, but reopening within days.

Meanwhile, Virgin Australia will suspend all international flights and has announced more cuts to domestic capacity as quarantine measures accelerate amid the coronavirus outbreak.

The airline on Wednesday said it will suspend all international flying from March 30 to June 14 and reduce group domestic capacity by 50 per cent.

Virgin’s measures follow Qantas’ 90 per cent reduction in international flights on Tuesday and is the equivalent of grounding 53 aircraft.

Virgin said it will operate a reduced international schedule between now and March 29 to enable Australians to return home and visitors to return to their point of origin.

Australia’s ailing airlines will be handed a $715 million federal government lifeline to help the sector through the coronavirus pandemic.

A range of government charges will be refunded and waived to help airlines under immense pressure as domestic and global travel plummets.

The government will forgo fuel excise, air service charges and regional security fees.

The move is expected to create an upfront benefit of $159 million, with the government refunding charges paid since February 1.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the package was designed to put Australia in the best position to deal with the coronavirus outbreak.

‘Our airlines run on tight budgets at the best of times and these past few weeks have been particularly tough,’ he said on Wednesday.

‘I’ve been speaking with Australian airline executives every day and will continue to work with them to make sure they receive the support they need.’