CANBERRA, March 23 (NNN) — Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced that further measures will be taken in the country to support ongoing social distancing measures that have been put in place to fight the COVID-19 spread.
Effective midday Monday, March 23, facilities such as pubs, registered and lincensed clubs, hotels (excluding accommodation) will be restricted from opening.
Other facilities affected will be gyms and indoor sporting venues, cinemas, entertainment venues, casinos, and night clubs.
In a media statement published on his official website, the premier said restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway and/or home delivery/
The restrictions also apply to religious gatherings, places of worship or funerals (in enclosed spaces and other than very small groups and where the 1 person per 4 square metre rule applies).
The measures were announced after the Prime Minister, state and territory Premiers and Chief Ministers met on Sunday as the National Cabinet.
Isolated remote community hubs however are not included in these restrictions.
Other facilities are not impacted, but will be considered under stage 2 restrictions, if necessary, the media statement said.
Australia had already put in several measures to fight the spread of the virus.
These include a ban on non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people outside or more than 100 people inside, while all non-essential indoor gatherings of less than 100 people must have no more than one person per 4sqm.
Australians have been also told to avoid non essential travel and there are restrictions on entering aged care homes to protect older Australians
The statement also said Australia will consider further Stage 2 restrictions if social distancing measures are not adhered to.
