PM tells older Australians to ‘stay home’ as he unveils strict new restrictions

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced further restrictions this evening as the government continues to tackle the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, as the death toll reached 16 nationally on Sunday.

As of now, only two people will be legally permitted to gather together in public places, exempting families and members of the same household. The new guidelines were announced by the PM just minutes ago, following the most recent meeting of the national cabinet.

The tighter restrictions mean that boot camps, community groups and other public gatherings will now be legally limited to just two people, with local governments able to enforce these measures, with some states also prepared to hand out fines where necessary. The only exemptions will be work and education, however social distancing guidelines still apply.

“In addition, in public areas public playgrounds, outside gyms and skateparks will be closed as from tomorrow and boot camps will be reduced to two, which doesn’t really make it a boot camp, that makes it a private session with your trainer for those who are accessing those services,” Morrison said.

The prime minister stressed that Australians should now not be leaving the house unless they are shopping for necessary supplies, attending medical appointments or leaving the home for compassionate reasons, exercising – in line with the latest guidelines – or for work and education, if remote options are not available.

He also “strongly advised” those over the age of 70 to “self-isolate for their own protection”. Morrison added: “This is for their own protection, to limit their interaction with others in their community.”

Morrison stressed that the new advice does not mean older Australians – as well as those with chronic health conditions, indigenous members of the community over 50, and those over 60 – cannot go outside, but simply aims to limit their contact with other people as much as possible.