Australia’s chief medical officer has urged Prime Minister Scott Morrison and state leaders to temporarily ban public gatherings of more than 500 people as a response to the local coronavirus outbreak, according to reports emerging from today’s political summit.
The ABC reports that Professor Brendan Murphy used today’s Council of Australian Governments meeting in Sydney to advocate for the measure, with the hopes of limiting the virus’ spread through Australian communities.
The move, if adopted, is likely to have a dramatic impact on Australia’s major sporting leagues and live entertainment industry.
The Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, which was slated to start today, was officially cancelled this morning over concerns for spectators and participants contracting the virus.
Similarly, Australia’s Download Festival today revealed it has pulled up stumps in response to the outbreak.
If the Federal Government and state leaders adopt that policy, Australia will come into line with a growing number of nations who have curtailed large public gatherings.
Expect Morrison to deliver more news on that front in the next little while. Whether he’s still keen to go to his beloved Cronulla Sharks’ NRL game on Saturday night, as he said he would this morning, is yet to be seen.
As of this morning, 156 people have been infected with the virus in Australia. Sadly, three people have died as a result of their illness.
Of course, if you have come into contact with someone who has the virus, you should also self-isolate for 14 days. If symptoms develop you should call your doc or healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
