Strict new measures to slow the spread of coronavirus have been announced as the number of confirmed cases in Australia exceeds 4000.
From today, no more than two people are to gather in public unless they are from the same household or family, and police officers now have the power to issue on-the-spot fines to people flouting isolation regulations.
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced that Australians "must stay at home" except for the following reasons:
- "Shopping for what you need - food and other essential supplies that enable you to remain at home and to do that shopping as infrequently as possible."
- "For medical care or compassionate needs."
- "To exercise, in compliance with the public gathering rules."
- "For work and education if you cannot work or learn remotely."
It is also strongly advised that people aged 70 and over should stay at home and self-isolate for their own protection, to the maximum extent practical.
As the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Queensland approaches 700, the state government has announced a massive boost in telehealth services so more people can see a doctor without leaving their homes.
Health Minister Steven Miles said the boosted capacity will help ease the burden the pandemic will place on the state's health system.
"Queensland Health has increased capacity of telehealth services to a patient's home significantly from 90 up to 1600 users online at any one time," Mr Miles said.
"This huge increase in online appointments will decrease the number of patients who need to physically present at hospitals.
"It frees up hospitals and health clinics and also means some of our most at-risk patients with pre-existing conditions no longer need to travel away from their local community or enter hospital environments."
Police crackdown
The Queensland Police Service will step up enforcement measures for people disregarding directions and flouting isolation laws.
Community members can expect to see an increase in police ensuring compliance of public health directions and taking enforcement action against those ignoring the laws.
Officers now have the power to issue on-the-spot fines of $1334.50 for individuals and $6,672.50 for corporations for breaches of Chief Health Officer directions.
Under the direction, homeowners or persons in control of a residence must not allow more than ten people to be present at the residence at any one time and to take reasonable steps to encourage occupants of and visitors to the residence to practice social distancing as much as possible.
This does not apply if more than ten people are present who ordinarily live at the residence.
If a person does not comply with quarantine directions, penalties of up to $13,345 for individuals and $66,672.50 for corporations may apply.
