COVID-19 pandemic in Australia
The COVID-19 pandemic in Australia is part of the ongoing worldwide pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The first confirmed case in Australia was identified on 25 January 2020, in Victoria, when a man who had returned from Wuhan, China, tested positive for the virus.[2]
| COVID-19 pandemic in Australia | |
|---|---|
 Confirmed cases per 100,000 residents by state or territory | |
.svg.png) Confirmed cases of COVID-19 by state or territory
5000+ confirmed cases
500–4999 confirmed cases
50–499 confirmed cases
5–49 confirmed cases
1–4 confirmed cases | |
| Disease | COVID-19 |
| Virus strain | SARS-CoV-2 |
| Location | Australia |
| First outbreak | Wuhan, Hubei, China |
| Index case | Melbourne, Victoria |
| Arrival date | 25 January 2020 (6 months, 3 weeks and 4 days) |
| Confirmed cases | 23,773[1] |
| Active cases | 7,556[1] |
| Hospitalized cases | 682[1] |
| Critical cases | 52[1] |
| Recovered | 14,924[1] |
Deaths | 438[1] |
| Fatality rate | 1.84% |
| Government website | |
| www | |
Australian borders were closed to all non-residents on 20 March.[3] Social distancing rules were imposed on 21 March, and state governments started to close 'non-essential' services.[4][5] "Non-essential services" included social gathering venues such as pubs and clubs but unlike many other countries did not include most business operations such as construction, manufacturing and many retail categories.[6]
The number of new cases initially grew sharply, then levelled out at about 350 per day around 22 March, and started falling at the beginning of April to under 20 cases per day by the end of the month.[1] A second wave of infections in Victoria instigated by a breakdown in hotel quarantine protocols commenced in late June, and is currently ongoing.[7]
As of 18 August 2020, Australia has reported 23,773 cases, 14,924 recoveries, and 438 deaths, with Victoria reporting the highest number of cases.[1]
Background
A novel coronavirus that caused a respiratory illness was identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019, and was reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) on 31 December 2019, which confirmed its concern on 12 January 2020.[8][9] WHO declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, and a pandemic on 11 March.
The case fatality rate of COVID-19 is much lower than that of SARS, a related disease which emerged in 2002,[10][11] but its transmission has been significantly greater, leading to a much greater total death toll.[12][10]
Timeline
January 2020
On 23 January, biosecurity officials began screening arrivals on flights from Wuhan to Sydney. Passengers were given an information sheet and asked to present themselves if they had a fever or suspect they might have the disease.[15]
On 25 January, the first case of a SARS-CoV-2 infection was reported, that of a Chinese citizen who arrived from Guangzhou on 19 January. The patient was tested and received treatment in Melbourne.[2][16] On the same day, three other patients tested positive in Sydney after returning from Wuhan.[17][18][19]
Nine cases were recorded in January. From 31 January, foreign nationals returning from China were required to have spent a fortnight in a third country before being allowed into Australia.[20]
February 2020
By 6 February, three returning members from a tour group in Wuhan were identified in Queensland.[21]
Twenty-four Australians were infected on the Diamond Princess cruise ship with eight being sent to Darwin for two weeks of quarantine.[22] The number repatriated from the ship are included in the state totals as follows: Qld (3), SA (1), Vic (4), WA (2, one of whom died on 1 March).[23]
On 27 February, the prime minister activated the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19),[24] stating that the rapid spread of the virus outside of China had prompted the government to elevate its response.[25]
On 29 February, after a Queensland case of an infected person returning to Australia from Iran, the government extended the enforced quarantine to people who had been in Iran, requiring them to spend a fortnight in third country before being allowed into Australia.[26] There were 14 new cases in February, bringing the number of cases to 23.
March 2020
Week 1
On 1 March, Australia reported the first death from COVID-19: a 78-year-old Perth man, who was one of the passengers from the Diamond Princess, and who had been evacuated and was being treated in Western Australia.[27]
On 2 March, four new cases were reported, two of which were the first cases of community transmission of the virus.[28] These two cases were acquired in Australia whereas all other previous cases were imported from another country. The two cases were in New South Wales: one was acquired from a close relative and the other was a health care worker in Western Sydney.[29] Another confirmed case on this day was a 40-year-old man from Launceston who came back on 29 February from a flight which left Melbourne and landed in Launceston on the same day. He was treated at the Launceston General Hospital as he became the first Coronavirus case in Tasmania.[30]
On 4 March, a second death was reported, a 95-year-old woman dying at a Sydney aged-care facility.[31]
On 7 March, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos confirmed during a press conference that a doctor in Victoria had tested positive for COVID-19. The doctor in his 70s had returned to Australia from the United States on 29 February. From 2 to 6 March, the doctor had consulted approximately 70 patients at The Toorak Clinic in Melbourne and two patients at an aged-care facility. The clinic was closed over the weekend and patients were contacted to self-isolate. Health officials sought to notify passengers on the doctor's flights. The doctor believed he only had a mild cold and was fit to return to work,[32] hitting back at the minister for her comments.[33][34]
Week 2
On 8 March, an 82-year-old man died, becoming the second death at the Dorothy Henderson Lodge aged-care facility and the third death in the country.[35]
On 9 March, the principal of Carey Baptist Grammar confirmed that one of the teachers at their Kew campus was infected with the virus. This teacher, a woman in her 50s, was confirmed to be the partner of an individual who was on the same flight from the US that the GP of Toorak Clinic was on.[36][37]
On 11 March, the head of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), David Walsh, cancelled the MONA FOMA winter arts festival. In a statement, David Walsh stated "I know that [the cancellation] will murder an already massacred tourism environment, but I feel like I have no choice."[38]
On 12 March, the ACT announced its first case, the 142nd case in Australia. A man in his 30s had not travelled overseas but did travel outside of the ACT.[39] Actor Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson advised that they had tested positive and were in isolation.[40][41]
Later that day, an initial $17.6 billion stimulus package was unveiled by the Prime Minister to "protect Australians' health, secure jobs and set the economy to bounce back" from the crisis.[42] West Australian health minister Roger Cook has informed the public that the Western Australian Department of health is postponing upgrades at Peel Health Campus to accommodate patients with the virus. There were concerns that the upgrade would temporarily halve the ED waiting room capacity, preventing isolation of ED patients from patients with the virus. The upgrade has been postponed to 1 October 2020.[43]
Victoria confirmed nine new cases, one of which was the first case of human-to-human transmission in the state. A McLaren Formula One team member on the now-cancelled Australian Grand Prix tested positive for the virus.[44] This brought the Victorian total to 36 and the national total to 175. Peter Dutton the Home Affairs Minister for Australia was diagnosed in Queensland.[45] The Victorian government declared they are suspending all jury trials to limit the spread of the virus.[46]
Week 3
On 10 March, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews warned Victorians to expect "extreme measures" in the wake of the federal government updating the travel advice for Italy.[47] These could include cancelling major sporting events, requiring entire economic sectors to work from home, and calling recently retired health professionals to return to work.[48]
On 16 March, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews declared a state of emergency until 13 April.[49] The State of Emergency was subsequently extended (see below).
The University of Queensland stopped all teaching for the week after three students tested positive for the virus.[50] Western Australia introduced similar measures as New South Wales, preventing schools from organising gatherings of over 500.[51] Susan McDonald, a Queensland senator, confirmed being infected with the virus.[52] New South Wales Liberal senator, Andrew Bragg, was the third Australian politician to test positive. On 18 March,[53] a human biosecurity emergency was declared[54] by the Governor-General, David Hurley, under Section 475 of the Biosecurity Act 2015.[53]
The cruise ship Ovation of the Seas docked in Sydney on 18 March and discharged about 3,500 passengers. 79 passengers had tested positive for the virus by 1 April.[55] Voyager of the Seas also docked on 18 March. On 2 April, 34 passengers and 5 crew members had tested positive for the virus in New South Wales alone.[56] Celebrity Solstice docked on 19 March and have contributed a further 11 cases to NSW figures by 2 April.[56]
The cruise ship Ruby Princess discharged 2,700 passengers in Sydney on 19 March. It was announced on 20 March that three of 13 passengers tested positive for the coronavirus. New South Wales health authorities asked all passengers to go into self-isolation.[57]
Also on 19 March, Qantas confirmed it would suspend about 60% of domestic flights,[58] put two thirds of its employees on leave, suspend all international flights and ground more than 150 of its aircraft from the end of March until at least 31 May 2020 following expanded government travel restrictions in response to COVID-19.[59][60]
On 22 March, the government announced a second stimulus package of A$66bn, increasing the amount of total financial package offered to A$89bn. This included several new measures; most notably a coronavirus supplement of an extra A$550 per fortnight of income support, and relaxed eligibility criteria for individuals on Jobseeker Payment (formerly Newstart), and grants of up to A$100,000 for small and medium-sized businesses.[61]
Week 4
On 24 March, one passenger from Ruby Princess had died and 133 on the ship had tested positive.[62] On 28 March, 284 passengers had tested positive.[63]
On 25 March, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) was established by the Prime Minister, as a strategic advisory body for the national response to the pandemic.[64][65] The NCCC's role includes providing advice on public-private partnerships and coordination to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.[66][67]
Week 5
The cruise ship Artania docked at Fremantle on 27 March. Most of the 850 passengers flew home from Perth to Germany on 28–29 March. 41 passengers and crew tested positive to COVID-19 and were being treated in Perth hospitals.[68][69] When the cruise departed on 18 April, 79 of Western Australia's 541 cases were passengers and crew off the Artania with one death acknowledged as being a crew member from the Philippines.[70]
As of 30 March, at least 440 passengers (211 in New South Wales, 71 in South Australia, 70 in Queensland, 43 in Western Australia, 22 in the Australian Capital Territory, 18 in Victoria, three in Tasmania and two in the Northern Territory) from Ruby Princess had tested positive for the virus.[71] As of 31 March 2020, five of them had died, one in the Australian Capital Territory, two in Tasmania, one in New South Wales and one in Queensland.[72]
The same day, the Australian Government announced its largest economic support package in response to the crisis, a $130 billion "JobKeeper" wage subsidy program. This figure was later revised to $70 billion when an error of estimation came to light.[73] The JobKeeper program would pay employers up to $1500 a fortnight per full-time, part-time or casual employee that has worked for that business for over a year, if the business fits criteria involving a loss of turnover as a result of the pandemic.[74]
On the evening of 31 March, six baggage handlers from Adelaide Airport had tested positive. As a result, up to 100 other staff from the airport were required to self-isolate, causing cancellations of flights to and from Adelaide.[75]
April 2020
On 1 April, the Western Australian State Government introduced intrastate travel restriction, limiting movements between the regions of Western Australia.[76]
On 2 April, the number of cases in Victoria exceeded 1,000, including over 100 healthcare workers.[77]
On 5 April, New South Wales Police launched a criminal investigation into whether the operator of Ruby Princess, Carnival Australia, broke the Biosecurity Act 2015 (Cwth) and New South Wales state laws, by deliberately concealing COVID-19 cases.[78]
On 6 April, the Department of Health revealed that 2,432 people recovered from the infection as the federal government started reporting recovery statistics. This is more than a third from the official number reported so far, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly stating, "I think it is important. Firstly it really reinforces that message, which is a true one, that most people who get this disease do recover”. The day before, at 3pm, it was announced that 2,315 of the 5,687 confirmed coronavirus cases had recovered.[79]
On 11 April, the charity Anglicare was advised of an outbreak at its Newmarch House aged care nursing home in Caddens, New South Wales.[80][81] On 14 April, the outbreak was linked to an infected staff member with minor symptoms, but who attended work for six shifts. Ten residents and five other staff tested positive for coronavirus.[82] On 27 and 28 April, four residents of the home died in less than 24 hours, bringing to eleven the number of residents who had died from COVID-19 since 11 April.[80][81] By 9 May, there have been 69 COVID-19 cases linked to the facility, 32 staff and 37 residents. On 19 May the 19th resident died from coronavirus.[83]
On 13 April, the Tasmanian government closed the North West Regional Hospital and North West Private Hospital for cleaning, and put the entire staff of over 1000 people and their families into quarantine.[84]
On 15 April, a Western Australian man became the first person in Australia to be jailed for breaking a self-isolation directive.[85]
On 30 April 2020, the ACT declared itself to be free of all known cases of COVID-19, the first Australian jurisdiction.[86] However, on 4 May there was a one new case, a young woman who acquired the virus overseas.[87] On 10 May, the ACT was again free of active COVID-19 cases.[88]
May 2020
An outbreak in Victoria at a meatworks, later revealed to be Cedar Meats, was announced on 2 May with eight cases.[89] By 8 May, the cluster of cases linked to Cedar Meats in Victoria was 71, consisting of at least 57 workers and 13 close contacts, including a nurse, aged care worker and high school student.[90][91] The number had increased to 75 by 9 May,[92][91] 88 by 13 May,[93] and 90 by 14 May.[94]
On 9 May, two Victorian cases were announced to be related to McDonald's Fawkner.[91] By 18 May, this had increased to 12 cases, and on that day it was revealed that a delivery driver had tested positive, prompting the closing for cleaning of 12 more McDonald's locations: Melton East, Laverton North, Yallambie, Taylors Lakes, Campbellfield, Sunbury, Hoppers Crossing, Riverdale Village, Sandown, Calder Highway Northbound/Outbound, Calder Highway Southbound/Inbound, and BP Rockbank Service Centre Outbound.[95]
As of 15 May in New South Wales, some restrictions on public gatherings were eased. After being restricted to take-away only since March, free standing cafes and restaurants, and those inside pubs and clubs, were allowed some sit-down dining. Bars and gaming areas remained closed. Ten people were permitted in restaurants and cafes, social distancing rules still had to be followed. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people were allowed. Up to 10 guests were permitted at weddings, funerals could have up to 20 mourners indoors, 30 outdoors. Up to 10 people were allowed at indoor religious gatherings.[96][97]
On 15 May, South Australia became the second jurisdiction, after the ACT, to be free of any active cases,[98] however on 26 May, a woman returning from overseas who was granted exemption into South Australia from her hotel quarantine in Victoria tested positive for COVID-19. This was the first new case in 19 days for the state.[99] On 4 June, it was announced that the woman had recovered and the state was free of any active cases once again.[100]
On 17 May, Victoria announced two further business sites had been shut down due to a suspected case at each. Domino's Pizza in Fairfield has been shut for two weeks, and mattress manufacturer The Comfort Group in Deer Park was closed from Friday 15 May to at least Wednesday 20 May.[101]
On 19 May, in New South Wales, another resident of Newmarch House nursing home died from coronavirus. This brought COVID-19 related deaths at the nursing home to nineteen and the national death toll to 100.[83]
On 21 May, the Northern Territory had also announced that there were no more active cases left in the jurisdiction.[102][103]
On 25 May, a night duty manager at one of Melbourne's quarantine hotels reported a fever and tested positive on 26 May. Five security guards on contract from Unified Security also tested positive, as did members of their families.[104] Victoria's Chief Health Officer indicated that "a very significant proportion of [Victoria's second wave of] cases were linked to hotel quarantine."[105]
June 2020
On 6 June, both New South Wales and Victoria reported no new cases for the previous 24 hours, with only Queensland and Western Australia reporting one new case each, the lowest national total since February. Western Australia also announced two old cases. However, the new case in Queensland was linked to the Rydges on Swanston cluster in Melbourne when a man who travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane on Virgin flight VA313 on 1 June tested positive.[106]
On 7 June, a man travelling from overseas to the Australian Capital Territory was diagnosed with coronavirus. This was the Territory's first new COVID-19 case in more than a month, with the last reported case being on 4 May.[107] By 17 June, this case had recovered and there were no longer any more active cases in the Territory once again.[108]
On 12 June, there were no longer any active cases in Tasmania.[109]
On 20 June, the Victorian Government announced the re-tightening of restrictions on household gatherings following a spike in community transmitted cases over the previous week, reported to be mainly caused by family-to-family transmission in large household gatherings. From June 22, households can once again only have five visitors; and most easing of restrictions that were to take place were postponed.[110] The same day restrictions were re-tightened in Victoria, the Western Australian Government announced the state would move into "Phase 4" from June 27, permitting some of the most relaxed restrictions in the country. The listed restrictions included a reduction of the four square metre rule for enclosed venues to two square metres, as well as the allowance of 50% capacity limits for large venues such as Optus Stadium which seats 60,000 patrons at full capacity.[111]
On 30 June, the Victorian Government re-enforced local lockdowns across 10 different Melbourne postcodes. Residents in these postcodes will need to comply with the four acceptable reasons to leave their houses: shopping for essentials; for medical or compassionate needs; exercise in compliance with the public gathering restriction of two people; and for work or education purposes.[112][113][114]
July 2020
On 2 July, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the "Judicial Inquiry Into Hotel Quarantine Program". This follows some cases of coronavirus in Victoria being linked by genomic sequencing to a breach in hotel quarantine infection control. The Inquiry will "… examine the operation of Victoria’s hotel quarantine program for returning travellers." It will be headed by retired judge Jennifer Coate, and is scheduled to deliver its report to the Governor by 25 September.[115] Andrews noted that "it is abundantly clear that what has gone on here is completely unacceptable and we need to know exactly what has happened."[115]
On 4 July, the Victorian Government announced an additional two postcodes affected by the lockdown until 29 July 2020.[116] Furthermore, nine public housing towers housing 3,000 residents were added, with the additional condition that residents cannot leave the tower under any circumstances for five days, with the possibility of extension to 14 days.[117]
From 5 July, at the request of the NSW Government, the Federal Government introduced restrictions on the number of passengers arriving at Sydney Airport. A maximum of 50 passengers per flight, and 450 international arrivals per day was set.[118]
On 6 July, the Victorian and NSW governments announced that their interstate border would be closed from the start of 8 July.[119]
On 7 July, after recording 191 new cases, Andrews announced that metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire would re-enter lockdown for a minimum of six weeks from 12 a.m. on 9 July.[120]
On 11 July, the NSW Government announced that compulsory hotel quarantine, previously free to international arrivals, would now be charged for from 18 July. Those already in quarantine will not be charged, nor will those who purchased flights and had a confirmed international arrival date before 11:59 pm 12 July 2020 AEST.[121]
On 14 July, because of an increase in new cases, the NSW Government announced tightened preventative measures, and introduced new requirements for pubs. Effective as of 17 July, the new rules include per-table seating reduced from 20 to 10 and a maximum number of 300 persons in any venue.[122]
On 18 July, it was announced that a sitting of Federal Parliament, scheduled for the first 2 weeks of August, had been cancelled. Medical advice said there was a "significant risk" if members were to return to Canberra from all over Australia. Parliament is now scheduled to return on 24 August.[123]
On 19 July in Victoria, Andrews announced that "face coverings" were to be made mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire when residents leave their home. Enforcement will begin after 11.59 pm on Wednesday 22 July to allow time to acquire a face covering. A fine of A$200 will apply to those not complying, though there are some exemptions.[124] In addition, the State of Emergency in Victoria was extended until 11.59 pm on 16 August 2020.[124] (See 19 July in Victorian section for more details.)
On 20 July, the number of daily overseas arrivals allowed at Sydney Airport was reduced from 450 (since July 5) to 350.[125]
Also on 20 July, it was announced that the Coronavirus Supplement and JobKeeper subsidy would be extended, but in altered form at a lower rate, beyond 24 September.[126]
From 22 July in Victoria, announced on 19 July, visitations in aged care/ health care settings will be restricted to carers only and a limit of one hour per day.[124]
In late July, billionaire businessman Clive Palmer claimed that the closing of the borders by the Western Australian government was unconstitutional and he launched a legal challenge in the Federal Court. In response the Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan labelled Palmer an enemy of the state.[127] Palmer also claimed that the border closure would "destroy the lives of hundreds of thousands of people for decades" and compared the death toll of COVID-19 with that of road accidents and influenza.[128]
August 2020
On 2 August, a state of disaster was declared in Victoria from 6pm that day. Restrictions were to be tightened including a curfew across Melbourne from 8pm to 5am starting immediately. Melbourne moved to stage 4 and regional Victoria to stage 3 restrictions.[129] Other changes that took effect from 8 August were that abattoir production was reduced by a third and poultry production by one fifth to allow for reduced worker numbers. Major supermarkets reintroduced limits on meat purchases.[130]
Scott Morrison withdrew support of Clive Palmer's legal challenge to WA border entry restrictions on 2 August after receiving a public backlash against his previously supportive stance. Mark McGowan praised the Commonwealth for its withdrawal and indicated the Western Australian government would continue to fight the case. He urged Palmer to withdraw.[131]
On 7 August an easing of internal WA restrictions were deferred to at least 29 August due to the Victorian outbreak.[132]
Statistics
This section is an excerpt from COVID-19 pandemic in Australia statistics
| Australian state/territory[lower-alpha 1] | Cases[lower-alpha 2] | Deaths | Recoveries | Active[lower-alpha 3] | Hospital[lower-alpha 4] | Tests | Notes |
Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23,781 | 438 | 14,927 | 7,549 | 682 | 5,414,073 | |||
| Australian Capital Territory | 113 | 3 | 110 | 0 | 0 | 67,514 | [133] | |
| New South Wales | 3,966 | 52 | 2,992 | 256 | 13 | 1,876,936 | [lower-alpha 5][lower-alpha 6][lower-alpha 7] | [134][135] |
| Northern Territory | 33 | 0 | 33 | 0 | 0 | 31,052 | [lower-alpha 8] | [136] |
| Queensland | 1,092 | 6 | 1,079 | 6 | 3 | 747,180 | [137] | |
| South Australia | 462 | 4 | 451 | 7 | 0 | 326,109 | [138] | |
| Tasmania | 230 | 13 | 216 | 1 | 1 | 79,469 | [lower-alpha 9] | [139] |
| Victoria | 17,238 | 351 | 9,413 | 7,274 | 665 | 1,992,521 | [140] | |
| Western Australia | 647 | 9 | 633 | 5 | 0 | 293,292 | [lower-alpha 10] | [141] |
| As of 18 August 2020 | ||||||||
Notes
| ||||||||
The following chart represent changes in net number of cases on a daily basis and is based on the number of cases reported in the Federal Government's daily reports.
| Daily new confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia | |
 | |
Preventive measures
Federal Government
On 1 February 2020, Australia banned the entry of foreign nationals from mainland China, and ordered its own returning citizens from China to self-quarantine for 14 days.[142] Australia subsequently imposed travel bans on Iran (1 March),[143] South Korea (5 March),[144] and Italy (11 March).[145] A general travel ban, with limited exceptions, on non-citizens and non-residents travelling to Australia and Australians travelling overseas was introduced on 20 March.[146]
National Cabinet
On 13 March, the National Cabinet, a form of national crisis cabinet akin to a war cabinet, was created following a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). This is the first time such a cabinet has been proclaimed since World War II,[147] and the only time in Australian history that a crisis cabinet has included state and territory leaders.[148] The cabinet consists of the premiers and chief ministers of the Australian states and territories and meets weekly during the crisis.[149] At its first meeting on 13 March, the National Cabinet announced that gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled from 15 March. Schools, universities, workplaces, public transport and airports were not included in this recommendation.[148] Prime Minister Morrison also announced that he intended to attend a Rugby League match on 14 March; "I do still plan to go to the football on Saturday"[150][148] but later decided against attending the match.
On 15 March, Morrison announced that from midnight, all travellers arriving in or returning to Australia must self-isolate for 14 days,[151] mirroring a similar requirement imposed by New Zealand. Failure to comply could result in a fine of A$11,000 to A$50,000 and a possible prison sentence, depending on the state.[152] Cruise ships were also barred from docking in the country for 30 days.[153][154]
On 29 March, the Cabinet agreed to stricter limits to apply from midnight on the 30th: a limit on both indoor and outdoor gatherings of two people except weddings (5) funerals (10) and people of the same household or family; strong guidance to all Australians is to stay home unless for necessary shopping, health care, exercise, and work and study that can't be done remotely; public playgrounds, skate parks and outside gyms to be closed. It was left to individual states to enforce these guidelines. They also agreed to a moratorium on evictions for six months for both commercial and residential tenancies suffering financial distress.[155]
Human biosecurity emergency
On 18 March 2020,[53] a human biosecurity emergency was declared in Australia owing to the risks to human health posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, after a National Security Committee meeting the previous day. The Biosecurity Act 2015 specifies that the Governor-General may declare such an emergency exists if the Health Minister (currently Greg Hunt) is satisfied that "a listed human disease is posing a severe and immediate threat, or is causing harm, to human health on a nationally significant scale". This gives the minister sweeping powers, including imposing restrictions or preventing the movement of people and goods between specified places, and evacuations.[54] The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Declaration 2020 was declared by the Governor-General, David Hurley, under Section 475 of the Act.[53] The Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020, made by the Health Minister on the same day, forbids international cruise ships from entering Australian ports before 15 April 2020.[156]
On 19 March, Morrison announced that Australia would be closing its borders to all non-residents and non-Australian citizens from 9:00 pm on 20 March. The Australian Government had imposed the ban in coordination with New Zealand, which imposed a ban on most non-residents and non-citizens from midnight on 19 March.[3][157]
A social distancing rule of 4 square metres (43 sq ft) per person in any enclosed space was agreed by National Cabinet on 20 March, to be implemented through State and Territory laws.[158][159] On 22 March 2020, the State governments of New South Wales and Victoria imposed a mandatory closure of non-essential services,[5] while the Governments of Western Australia and South Australia imposed border closures.[160]
On 22 March, Morrison announced a closure of places of social gathering, including registered and licensed clubs, licensed premises in hotels and bars, entertainment venues, including but not restricted to cinemas, casinos and nightclubs and places of worship. Cafes and restaurants could remain open, but were limited to only takeaway food. Similarly, enclosed spaces for funerals and things of that nature will have to follow the strict four square metre rule. These measures were effective immediately at midday, 23 March.[161][162] Morrison stated that he would like schools to remain open, but parents could keep children at home if they wished to.[163]
On 25 March 2020, the Health Minister made a second determination under the Biosecurity Act 2015, the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Overseas Travel Ban Emergency Requirements) Determination 2020, which "forbids Australian citizens and permanent residents from leaving Australian territory by air or sea as a passenger".[156]
On 25 April 2020, the Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements—Public Health Contact Information) Determination 2020, made under subsection 477(1) of the Act, was signed into law by the Health Minister.[164] The purpose of the new legislation is "to make contact tracing faster and more effective by encouraging public acceptance and uptake of COVIDSafe", COVIDSafe being the new mobile app created for the purpose. The function of the app is to record contact between any two people who both have the app on their phones when they come within 1.5 metres (4 ft 11 in) of each other. The encrypted data would remain on the phone for 21 days of not encountering a person logged with confirmed COVID-19.[165]
National COVID-19 Coordination Commission
On 25 March, the National COVID-19 Coordination Commission (NCCC) was established by the Prime Minister as a strategic advisory body for the national response to the pandemic.[64][65] The NCCC's role includes providing advice on public-private partnerships and coordination to mitigate the social and economic impacts of the pandemic.[66][67]
On 29 March, Prime Minister Morrison announced in a press conference following a National Cabinet meeting that public gatherings will be limited to two people, while also urging Australians over the age of 70, Australians with chronic illness over the age of 60 and Indigenous Australians over the age of 50 to stay home and self-isolate.[166] Morrison also clarified that there were only four acceptable reasons for Australians to leave their houses: shopping for essentials; for medical or compassionate needs; exercise in compliance with the public gathering restriction of two people; and for work or education purposes.[167]
New South Wales
Premier Gladys Berejiklian formed a "war cabinet" to make decisions in relation to the pandemic.[168] Members include herself, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet, Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard and Minister for Police and Emergency Services David Elliott.[168]
On 15 March, Secretary of the New South Wales Department of Education, Mark Scott ordered that, effective immediately, New South Wales schools introduce social distancing measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus.[169] The order requires schools to cancel all assemblies, excursions, travel, concerts, large inter-school sporting and arts events, and other events that would require students and staff to congregate in large numbers.[170] Schools were to stay open. Four schools in the state have been shut for periods during the crisis due to confirmed cases within their school communities.[171]
On 16 March, New South Wales Minister for Health and Medical Research Brad Hazzard announced that he was using his powers, under Section 7 of the 'Public Health Act 2010', to immediately and indefinitely cancel all public events with more than 500 attendees.[172] The order is enforceable by NSW Police and violations of the order can carry a prison term of six months, an $11,000 fine, or both.[172]
Chief Justice Bathurst, Chief Justice of New South Wales, and Chief Judge Price of the District Court of New South Wales ordered that effective 16 March 2020, new jury trials would be suspended to limit the spread of coronavirus.[173] The order did not apply to already empanelled jury trials.[174] Corrective Services New South Wales implemented screening mechanisms, early flu vaccination programs and stricter hygiene requirements for staff, visitors and inmates to slow the spread of the virus.[171]
The University of Sydney cancelled all graduations, conferences, academic and student organised events.[175] The University of New South Wales announced that it was cancelling all student and academic events until Easter, encourage staff to work from home and, where possible, shift all lectures, tutorials, demonstrations and labs to online learning.[176]
New South Wales schools were directed by the State Department of Education Secretary, Mark Scott, to cancel all assemblies, excursions, travel, and some events and conferences, including arts and initiative events, as well as whole school sporting events and inter-school sporting events with three or more involved schools.[177]
Even though there was a ban on gatherings of more than 500 people, huge crowds flocked to the popular Bondi Beach and other beaches across Sydney on Friday 20 March. Health Minister Greg Hunt said that such behaviour was "unacceptable" while the New South Wales Labor's Shadow Treasurer, Walt Secord urged the government to completely close off the beach. New South Wales Police Minister David Elliott later stated in a televised interview that lifeguards were instructed to keep a head count of the people at the beach and if the number exceeded 500, the beach would be closed. On 21 March, crowds built up yet again which led Waverley Council to temporarily close Bondi, and the other beaches of Bronte and Tamarama.[177]
On 22 March, a public health order was issued that declared Lord Howe Island a public risk area and directed restricted access. As of that date there were no known cases of COVID-19 on Lord Howe Island.[178]
On 30 March, NSW Parliament passed the "COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement" law,[179] which limited public gatherings to two people and directed, "that a person must not, without reasonable excuse, leave the person's place of residence." It listed 16 reasonable excuses and took effect from midnight on March 31.
As of 15 May, some restrictions on public and private gatherings were eased. Private homes were allowed 5 visitors.[180] Free standing cafes and restaurants, and those inside pubs and clubs, were allowed very limited sit-down dining, after being restricted to take-away only since 23 March. Bars and gaming areas remained closed. A maximum of 10 people were permitted in restaurants and cafes, while social distancing rules still had to be followed. Outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people were permitted. Up to 10 guests were permitted at weddings, and funerals could have up to 20 mourners indoors, 30 outdoors. Up to 10 people were allowed at indoor religious gatherings such as churches.[96][97]
From 13 June, private homes were allowed to have up to 20 guests visit, and groups of 20 were allowed to meet outside. Food courts were allowed to open, so long as the 4 square metre per patron rule was kept, and no more than 50 patrons. Indoor gym classes were allowed 10 participants. Up to 100 persons were allowed inside gyms, so long as area requirements were adhered to.[180]
From 1 July, New South Wales eased restrictions further due to the limited community transmission of COVID-19, at that time. No set upper limit on patron numbers at indoor venues, but only one person per 4 square metres. Outdoor venues, with a maximum capacity of 40,000, were allowed up to 25 percent of normal capacity. Events had to be ticketed, patrons seated and follow guidelines. Restriction on funerals eased, but the 4 square metre rule applied. Other existing restrictions, no more than 20 guests inside homes, 20 outside, remained in force.[181] Restrictions were tightened again on 17 July. (See below)
From 5 July, the Federal Government introduced restrictions on the number of passengers arriving at Sydney Airport. A maximum of 50 passengers were allowed per flight, and international arrivals were set at 450 per day. This was by request of the NSW Government to reduce pressure on hotel quarantine capacity. More than 32,000 travellers had quarantined in Sydney hotels by this date.[118]
On 6 July, the Victorian and NSW State Governments, jointly announced that their interstate border would be re-closed from the start of 8 July, following a large spike in cases in certain areas of Melbourne.[119]
As of 12:01 am on 17 July, after an increase in cases, new rules for pubs were introduced. Measures included, group bookings and persons at a table were limited to 10 (formerly 20), and a maximum of 300 people allowed inside any venue. COVID Safe Hygiene Marshalls to oversee the venues COVID-19 infection prevention were also required, and venue COVID-Safe registration was compulsory. Paper-based sign-ins are allowed, but a digital record of patrons contact details, for contact tracing, must be provided on request.[122] Breaching the rules can result in a A$55,000 fine for the venue, plus another A$27,500 for each day the breach is continued.[182] As of 24 July, the tightened venue restrictions will also be applied to bars, cafes, clubs and restaurants.[182]
Until 18 July, international travellers who had to undergo compulsory quarantine on arrival did not have to pay for their accommodation, at a cost of A$65 million to the NSW Government. Under new rules announced on 11 July, as of 12.01 am on Saturday 18 July 2020, all new arrivals are being charged for their quarantine. The charge includes meals and room costs, for which one adult will pay A$3,000, additional adults A$1,000, children A$500, and no charge for children under 3 years. Those already quarantined will not have to pay, nor will those who purchased flights, and, had a confirmed international arrival date, before 11:59 pm on 12 July 2020 AEST.[121]
On 20 July, the number of daily overseas arrivals allowed at Sydney Airport was reduced to 350 from the 450 limit set on July 5.[125]
On 5 August it was announced that as from 7 August all Victorians arriving in NSW would be required to quarantine, at their own expense, in hotels for 14 days. Air arrivals from Victoria are only to be allowed at Sydney Airport.[183]
Victoria
On 10 March, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews warned Victorians to expect "extreme measures" in the wake of the federal government updating the travel advice for Italy.[47] These could include cancelling major sporting events, requiring entire economic sectors to work from home, and calling recently retired health professionals to return to work.[48]
On 16 March, a state of emergency was declared to 13 April.[49] It was extended on 12 April to 11 May,[184] with existing directions remaining in place including staying at home, restrictions on particular activities, detention, restrictions on airports and cruise ships, aged care, hospitals and isolation for people diagnosed with COVID-19. It was extended further on 11 May to 31 May, and again on 19 July to 16 August.[124]
On 22 March, the school holiday was brought forward from 27 to 24 March.[185]
On 14 April 2020, Victorian Health Minister Jenny Mikakos announced that Victoria will have the widest coronavirus testing in Australia, with anyone having COVID-19 symptoms able to get tested.[186] Those who present fever or chills in the absence of any other alternative diagnosis that explains the issue or acute respiratory infection that is characterised by cough, sore throat or shortness of breath should be tested for coronavirus.[187]
On 20 June, the Victorian Government re-tightened restrictions on household gatherings following a spike in community transmitted cases over the previous week, reported to be mainly caused by family-to-family transmission in large household gatherings. From June 22, households can once again only have five visitors; and most easing of restrictions that were to take place were postponed.[110]
On 30 June, the Victorian Government re-enforced local lockdowns across 10 different Melbourne postcodes. Residents there will need to comply with the four acceptable reasons to leave their houses: shopping for essentials; for medical or compassionate needs; exercise in compliance with the public gathering restriction of two people; and for work or education purposes.[112]
On 4 July, the Victorian Government announced two more postcodes affected by the lockdown until 29 July 2020.[116] Nine public housing towers housing 3,000 residents were also added, with the additional condition that residents cannot leave the tower under any circumstances for five days, with the possibility of an extension to 14 days.[117]
On 6 July, the Victorian and NSW state Governments announced that their interstate border would be re-closed from the start of 8 July.[119]
On 7 July, after recording 191 new cases, Premier Andrews announced that metropolitan Melbourne and the Shire of Mitchell would re-enter lockdown from 12am on 9 July, for 6 weeks.[120]
On 19 July, following a "… concerning increase in coronavirus cases …", Premier Andrews announced that "face coverings" were to be made mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne, and Mitchell Shire. This was not enforced until after 11.59pm on Wednesday 22 July to allow the populace time to acquire a face covering.[124] In addition, the State of Emergency in Victoria was extended until 11.59pm on 16 August 2020, to allow for the enforcement of this, and other, public health directions.[124]
From 22 July, as the chance of coronavirus infection remains high in aged care/ health care settings, visitations are restricted to carers only, and with a limit of one hour per day.[124]
From 23 July, the requirement for "face coverings" in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire, whenever residents leave their homes, became effective. A fine of A$200 will apply to those not complying, though there are medical and other exemptions, such as not being required for children under 12 years of age.[124]
On 2 August a state of disaster was declared in Victoria from 6pm that day. Restrictions were to be tightened including a curfew across Melbourne from 8pm to 5am starting immediately. Melbourne moved to stage 4 and regional Victoria to stage 3 restrictions.[129]
Queensland
On 29 January, Queensland was the first to declare a public health emergency.[188] The legislation was strengthened on 6 February by the Public Health (Declared Public Health Emergencies) Amendment Bill 2020.[189]
Key directions made under the Public Health Act 2005 include:
- 2 April – A person must not leave their principal place of residence except for essential needs including work, food, medical and exercise, outdoor gatherings only up to 2 persons or with members of household, receiving only to 2 visitors at a residence, and no gatherings in non-residences.[190]
- 9 April – "Non-essential" business, activity or undertaking must not be operated. "Non-esssential" businesses include cinemas, casinos, concerts, indoor sports, gyms, playgrounds, campgrounds, libraries. Restrictions also apply to restaurants (take away or delivery only), churches, hairdressers etc. However most construction, mining, manufacturing and retail businesses continued to operate.[191]
Restricted entry into Queensland was introduced, with only Queensland residents and those considered an ‘exempt person’ being allowed to enter Queensland by air, sea, rail or road from another state or territory.[192] This has been introduced stages: Stage 1 started on 26 March 2020, with stages 2 and 3 involving tightening the restrictions. Stage 4, introduced on 11 April, is currently the most restrictive, every person crossing the border including Queensland residents requires a permit. In addition, a person who has been in a declared COVID-19 hotspot in the previous 14 days must self-quarantine for 14 days.[193]
Closures of areas within Queensland include:
- All camping areas within Queensland national parks, state forests and recreation areas were closed on 26 March.
- Closure of high visitation National Parks including Fraser Island as well as all day use areas and visitor centres on 9 April.[194]
- Closure of Queensland waters to cruise ships on 6 April.[195]
- Closure of Surfers Paradise, Coolangatta and The Spit beaches on 8 April.[196]
Access to the Torres Strait Islands has been restricted to prevent COVID-19 from reaching the region, which has to date remained free of cases.[197]
Western Australia
On 15 March, Premier Mark McGowan declared a state of emergency in Western Australia, along with a formal public health emergency. Schools were prevented from organising gatherings of over 500, including "...swimming and sports carnivals, interschool carnivals, performances, concerts, exhibitions, fetes and fairs."[51]
On 24 March, the state borders were closed and all interstate arrivals were required to self-isolate for 14 days.[198]
On 1 April, regional border restrictions were implemented across Western Australia restricting travel between regions to essential services only. People were given 48 hour warning to return to their home region. At the time the Perth Stadium became the COVID-19 incident response centre for the WA.[76] Within the Kimberley region, movement was further restricted to prevent travel between each of the four local government areas.[199]
On 5 April, all state borders were closed, a strengthening of the previous border rules, all arrivals were quarantined in city hotels for 14 days.[200]
The MV Artania departed Fremantle on 18 April following a stand off with State and Federal governments over responsibility for the care of passengers and crew. The vessel was sailing for Indonesia and the Philippines before heading back to Europe.[201]
On 7 August easing of internal WA restrictions set for 15 August were deferred to at least 29 August due to the Victorian outbreak.[132]
South Australia
.jpg)
On 15 March, a public health emergency was declared in South Australia.[202]
On 22 March, a "major emergency" was declared, giving the police power to enforce self-isolation rules.[203]
On 24 March, state borders were closed. People arriving in the state were required to sign a declaration that they would self-isolate for 14 days and provide an address to the police, with penalties for failure to comply.[203][204]
On 27 March, a direction was made under the Emergency Management Act 2004[205] to prohibit gatherings of more than 10 people, and a limit of one person per 4 square metres.[206]
Tasmania
Scotch Oakburn College in Tasmania closed as a preemptive decision in fear of rising SARS-CoV-2 cases. It was to be closed from 16 March until at least 30 March.[207]
On 17 March, Tasmania declared a public health emergency.[208]
On 19 March, all "non-essential" travellers to the state, including returning residents, were subject to a mandatory 14-day quarantine.[209]
On 12 April 2020, in response to an outbreak in Burnie, business restrictions were put in place for 14 days. It included the closure of most retail businesses except for those providing essential services, or those who can provide online services and home delivery. The North West Regional Hospital (NWRH) and North West Private Hospital (NWPH) were temporarily closed from Monday 13 April 2020, and staff, patients, and visitors since 27 March, were required to self-quarantine for 14 days.[210] The self-quarantine affected up to 5,000 people. Additional testing was announced, and emergency medical teams from the Australian Defence Force were sent to Burnie to cover for hospital staff.[211]
Australian Capital Territory
On 16 March, the ACT government declared a public health emergency.[212] All visits to the Alexander Maconochie prison were cancelled from 23 March, but there was "increased access to telephones" for prisoners to keep in touch with their families.[213]
On 18 July it was announced a sitting of Federal Parliament, scheduled for the first 2 weeks of August, had been cancelled. Medical advice was that, due to increased transmission of COVID-19 in Victoria, and the upward trend in NSW as well, there was a "significant risk" if members were to return to Canberra from all over Australia. Prime Minister Morrison requested that the sitting be cancelled. Parliament is now scheduled to return on 24 August.[123]
Northern Territory
On 24 March, the Northern Territory (NT) government introduced strict border control, with anyone arriving from abroad or interstate being required to self-isolate for 14 days. The only exemption would be due to health and emergency services, defence and policing, flight crews and freight, and based on "compassionate grounds". NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said that the local police and government are likely to impose these measures until September. Anyone now arriving in NT will have to declare that they would isolate for 14 days and let the authorities know of their location during this period at the point of entry. Failure to comply with the new regulations could result in denying entry or a fine of AU$62,800. Furthermore, all non-essential travel to the NT's 76 remote communities was banned.[214]
From midday on 1 May, some internal restrictions in NT were eased.[215]
Jervis Bay Territory
Jervis Bay Territory has not had any confirmed cases. The territory's border with New South Wales was closed and residents were not allowed outside except for essential purposes.[216]
Norfolk Island
Norfolk Island has not had any confirmed cases. As a precautionary measure the government imposed a 32-day travel ban and declared a state of emergency.[217] Administrator Eric Hutchinson stated that the measures were necessary due to the remote island's extremely limited health capacity.[217]
Indian Ocean Territories
On 18 March 2020, Administrator Natasha Griggs declared a state of emergency in the Australian Indian Ocean Territories, comprising Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. She limited passenger arrivals to local residents and essential staff, and imposed a self-isolation period of 14 days on any arrivals.[218]
Impacts
Economic
On 3 March, the Reserve Bank of Australia became the first central bank to cut interest rates in response to the outbreak. Official interest rates were cut by 0.25% to a record low of 0.5%.[220]
On 12 March, the Liberal Party announced a planned A$17.6 billion stimulus package.[221][222] The package consists of multiple parts: a one-off payment to pensioners, social security recipients, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders, payments of A$2,000–A$25,000 to affected small businesses, an increase to the threshold for the Instant Asset Write-off Program, tax concessions for investments, a small business 50% wage subsidy for 120,000 trainees and apprentices, and A$1 billion in subsidies for heavily affected industries.[221][223]
On 19 March, the Reserve Bank again cut interest rates by a further 0.25%, from 0.5% to 0.25%, the lowest in Australian history.[224]
In March 2020, the Australian Bureau of Statistics began releasing a number of additional statistical products to assess the economic impacts on the outbreak on the Australian economy. Data on retail trade turnover indicated a 0.4% rise in turnover in February 2020. Negative effects on some areas of the retail sector (particularly tourism-dependent businesses) were offset by a rise in food retail turnover, with supermarkets showing a large rise in sales,[225] mainly arising from panic buying.
On 22 March, the government announced a second stimulus package of A$66bn, increasing the amount of total financial package offered to A$89bn. This included several new measures like an extra A$550 'Coronavirus Supplement' payment to those on income support, paid from 27 April to 24 September 2020,[226] and relaxed eligibility criteria for individuals on JobSeeker's allowance, granting A$100,000 to small and medium-sized businesses and A$715 million to Australian airports and airlines. It also allowed individuals affected by the outbreak to access up to A$10,000 of their superannuation during 2019–2020 and also being able to take an additional same amount for the next year.[61]
On 30 March, the Australian Government announced a six-month, $130 billion JobKeeper payment.[74] The JobKeeper payment provides businesses with up to $1500 a fortnight per full-time or part-time employee, or casual employee that has worked for that business for over a year. To be eligible, a business with an annual revenue of under A$1 billion must have lost 30% turnover since 1 March, or 50% for businesses over A$1 billion. The entire payment made to businesses for an employee must then, by law, be paid to that employee in lieu of normal pay.[74] This response came after the enormous job losses seen just a week prior when an estimated 1 million Australians lost their jobs. The program was backdated to 1 March with the aim of re-employing many people who had lost their jobs in the weeks before. In the first hour of the scheme, over 8,000 businesses registered to receive the payments. The program is one of the largest economic packages ever implemented in modern Australian history.[74]
On 22 May 2020, the Treasury and Australian Taxation Office announced there had been a miscalculation of A$60 billion in the planned cost of the JobKeeper program. Blaming 1,000 businesses for making "significant errors" on the application form, the Australian Government revealed it had overbudgeted the program, and that it was forecast to cost A$70 billion, not A$130 billion. The Treasury also announced that its original forecast of 6.5 million recipients was inaccurate, and closer to 3.5 million.[227] Prime Minister Scott Morrison celebrated the saving, while the Opposition announced a parliamentary inquiry in an attempt to compel Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to explain the overestimation.[228]
In July 2020, Australian Finance Minister Mathias Cormann in his interview with the CNBC vowed that government's budget deficit is expected to increase to 85.8 billion Australian dollars in the Financial year that ended on June 30 and further widen to $184.5 billion in the new fiscal year.[229]
Arts
Before the crisis, 600,000 Australians were employed in the arts, an industry which added around A$3.2 billion to export revenues. The rate of employment in the sector grew at a faster rate than the rest of the economy.[230] According to government figures, "cultural and creative activity contributed to A$112 billion (6.4% of GDP) to Australia's economy in 2016–17".[231]
Beginning in the second week of March 2020, Australian institutions began announcing reduced services, and then complete closures.[232] One of the first casualties was the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, with organisers announcing on 13 March 2020 that the 2020 festival had been cancelled entirely.[233] Opera Australia announced it would close on 15 March.[234] The national closure of all cultural institutions was mandated on 24 March, with subsequent restrictions on public gatherings. Consequently, many cultural events were also cancelled, including the Sydney Writers' Festival.[235] According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, by the beginning of April, "Arts and Recreation services" was the sector of the national economy with the smallest proportion of its business still in operation – at 47%.[236] A graph in Guardian Australia showing businesses by sector that had ceased trading between June 2019 and 30 March 2020 shows over 50% of arts and recreation services, the hardest hit of any sector (information media and telecommunications is next, at about 34%).[237] Adrian Collette, CEO of the Australia Council for the Arts, the government's arts funding and advisory body, described the impact on the cultural and creative sectors as “catastrophic”.[238]
The Australian film industry has been severely impacted, with at least 60 shoots being halted and about 20,000 people out of work.[239] On Monday 23 March, all productions funded by Screen Australia were postponed.[240] As of 15 April 2020, after some improvement in COVID-19 statistics in Australia, Screen Australia continues to fund work and process applications, intending to use all of its 2019/20 budget.[241] Film industry organisations such as Screen Producers Australia (SPA) and the Media, Entertainment & Arts Alliance (MEAA) have been lobbying the government for a support package specific to the screen industry, and to expand the JobKeeper requirements so that those in the screen industry are better covered. Many in the film industry are employed by Special Purpose Vehicles — temporary companies that cease trading once production has finished – which cannot easily prove that their turnover has fallen by 30% or more.[242] SPA said that the industry shutdown had cost more than A$500 million, with about A$20 million of lost export revenue.[243]
One hundred and nineteen films and TV shows have been halted, with only a few shows (such as MasterChef Australia and Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell) continuing production through the pandemic. The TV soap Neighbours was the first English-language TV drama series in the world to announce that resumption of production would begin soon after 20 April 2020.[243]
Like other governments around the world, the Australian government has acknowledged the economic, cultural and social value of the arts industry.[230][231] The Australia Council has redirected about A$5 million to "new programs designed to provide immediate relief to Australian artists, arts workers and arts organisations to support their livelihoods, practice and operations during the COVID-19 pandemic" (the "Resilience Fund"[244]), and is also hosting weekly meetings to address the concerns of specific sections of the industry, such as Indigenous creatives and organisations, live performance and public gatherings, and various peak bodies.[238] Several state governments have also provided relief packages.[230]
In early April, the federal government announced a package of A$27 million in specific arts funding: A$7 million for the Indigenous Visual Arts Industry Support program, A$10 million for Regional Arts Australia's regional arts fund, and A$10 million for Support Act, a charity providing financial support and counselling to people in the music industry in Australia.[245] However, the "JobKeeper" scheme specifically excluded "freelancers and casuals on short-term contracts, or who have worked for a series of employers in the last year", thus excluding a large proportion of arts and cultural sector professionals, who rely on short-term contracts.[236][246][247]
However, most of the arts sector's more than 193,000 workers were still unable to access the JobKeeper payments, despite being defined as sole traders, and an estimated A$330 million worth of paid performances cancelled. The Australia Institute recommended a A$750-million rescue package for the industry, while Arts Minister Paul Fletcher said that arts workers should utilise existing support measures.[248]
On 4 May 2020, the company operating the Carriageworks multi-arts venue in Sydney declared it would be entering voluntary administration and closing, citing an “irreparable loss of income” due to government bans on events during the COVID-19 pandemic and the consequent negative impact on the arts sector.[249][250] Carriageworks was the first major arts venue in the country to collapse suddenly after the hit to income caused by the strict social distancing rules enforced by state and federal governments, but others feared the same fate, after being forced to shut their doors in late March.[251]
On 13 May 2020, the Art Gallery of South Australia announced that it would reopen on 8 June.[252]
On 24 June 2020, the federal government announced a $250 million rescue package for the arts, comprising grants and loans. The package includes $75m for a grants program for new festivals, concerts, tours and events; $90m in loans to help fund new productions; $50m to help film and television producers unable to access insurance due to the pandemic, to enable them to restart production; and $35 million in direct financial assistance for struggling Commonwealth-funded organisations, including theatre, dance, music and circus. The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) welcomed the boost, but critics said that it was not nearly enough, especially with so many workers in the industry still ineligible for JobKeeper payments.[253][254]
Indigenous Australians
Aboriginal Australians and Torres Strait Islanders have poorer health outcomes and a lower life expectancy than the non-Indigenous Australian population, particularly those living in remote areas,[255][256] and along with overcrowded housing and many living in very remote communities, makes them one of the communities most vulnerable to the virus.[257] The remote Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY lands) in South Australia, whose population has many comorbidities, high rates of tobacco use, overcrowded housing and overall poor hygiene, introduced restricted access to the lands in early March to protect their people, especially elders, from the virus.[258] The Minister for Indigenous Australians, Ken Wyatt, said it was a sensible move, and that the federal government would work with them.[259] (A later call to evacuate elders to Adelaide by the APY Art Centre Collective was not put into operation.[260])
The federal government set up a national Indigenous advisory group in early March, to create an emergency response plan for Aboriginal communities.[258] The 43-page plan was published in March,[261] and in late March, the Prime Minister that advised that Indigenous Australians over the age of 50 (along with everyone over 70 and those with a chronic illness over 60), should stay at home as much as possible.[262][263] The Department of Health created a web page dedicated to advice for Indigenous people and remote communities,[264] and the National Indigenous Australians Agency has one dedicated to the government's response to COVID-19.[265] On 18 April the NIAA announced a government package of A$123 million of "targeted measures to support Indigenous businesses and communities to increase their responses to COVID-19", for the coming two financial years.[266]
The Northern Territory developed a remote health pandemic plan,[258] with NT Health setting up a number of remote clinics across the Territory.[267] All non-essential travel to the 76 remote communities was banned, and a 14-day isolation period imposed for those residents wanting to return home from regional centres, and in May, health officials suggested that these controls should stay in place for the foreseeable future.[268] In mid-March, a group of senior NT clinicians called for 16 measures to be implemented as soon as possible to help protect vulnerable communities.[269] Other states and territories have provided advice on their health agency websites.[270][271][272]
A group of Barkindji families set up a tent town on the banks of the Darling River near Wilcannia in New South Wales, to escape the threat of the disease from overcrowded accommodation in the town.[273]
Sport
The major sporting leagues (A-League, AFL, AFL Women's, and the National Rugby League) initially stated that their seasons would not be suspended but would continue behind closed doors. The leagues would all later be suspended.
- Athletics
The 2020 Stawell Gift has been postponed until later in the year.[274]
- Australian rules football
The AFL season was initially curtailed to a maximum of 17 games,[275] with clubs expected to take at least a 10% revenue hit from coronavirus related issues.[276] However, on 22 March, just before the end of round 1 of the 2020 season, AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan announced that the AFL season would be suspended until at least 31 May, citing the shutting of state borders as the primary cause for this decision.[277] The AFL season restarted on June 11.[278] The 2020 AFL Women's season was cancelled midway through the finals series, with no premiership awarded to any team.[279][277]
- Basketball
The 2020 NBL Finals followed suit beginning with game two, although it was stated that they would be immediately suspended if any participants were to be diagnosed.[280] The best of five series was subsequently cancelled after the third game was played with the title awarded to Perth Wildcats.[281]
- Cricket
The remaining two One Day Internationals between Australia and New Zealand were cancelled after the first match was played behind closed doors.[282] Cricket Australia also cancelled the Australian women's cricket team's tour of South Africa due to the virus.[283]
- Motorsports
The first sporting event in Australia to be affected was the 2020 Australian Grand Prix, which was cancelled on 13 March after McLaren withdrew when a team member tested positive for COVID-19.[284] This was also enforced on the support races which included the 2020 Melbourne 400, which was the second round of the 2020 Supercars Championship to be cancelled.
- Rugby league
Following the implementation of travel restrictions by New Zealand,[285] the Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) announced that the New Zealand Warriors would be based in Australia for the foreseeable future.[286] The 2020 season was suspended indefinitely on 23 March.[287] Chairman of the ARLC Peter V'landys requested a government bailout for the National Rugby League, a request that was struck down,[288] and caused a considerable negative reaction.[289][290]
On 22 April, the NRL announced that they will plan for the season to restart on 28 May, with training beginning on 4 May,[291] and has planned for 18 rounds (giving a 20-round season) and a State of Origin series, with the Grand Final rescheduled for 25 October.[292]
The NRL season recommenced on May 28 with a round 3 game played in Brisbane between the Brisbane Broncos and Parramatta Eels.[293] The match was played behind closed doors without any crowd, although the broadcasters (Channel 9 and Foxsports) used fake crowd noise during the broadcast.[294] The return match rated highly on TV as it was the first TV match of a team sport in Australia for 8 weeks.[295]
- Rugby union
The 2020 Super Rugby season was suspended following the conclusion of play on 15 March, due to the outbreak and the imposition of mandatory quarantine for international travellers to New Zealand.[296]
- Soccer
The A-League initially announced a continuation of the league with the Wellington Phoenix being based in Australia;[297] however, on 24 March, suspended the remaining matches.[298]
Demand for investigation
On 19 April, Australia questioned China's handling of the epidemic, questioned the transparency of its disclosures, and demanded an international investigation into the origins of the virus and its spread.[299] The Chinese Ambassador Cheng Jingye, in a rare breach of diplomatic protocol, leaked details of his telephone conversation with Frances Adamson, Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, on the embassy website.[300] He warned that the demand for an inquiry could result in a consumer boycott of students and tourists visiting Australia, and could affect sales of major exports.[301] A trade dispute involving improperly labelled beef and barley dumping ensued, which seriously affected Australian exports.[302]
Event cancellations
National
- The World Surf League cancelled all events in March 2020.[283]
- All Anzac Day marches were cancelled.[303]
- The 15 May school strike for climate rally and march was cancelled.[304]
- The Australian Border Force suspends all deportations to New Zealand between 16 and 30 March 2020.[305]
- NAPLAN tests for 2020 were cancelled on 20 March.[306]
- The national regional touring music festival Groovin' The Moo announced on 17 March that the 2020 festival was cancelled whilst confirming dates for 2021.[307]
New South Wales
- The Sydney Royal Easter Show, the largest ticketed event in Australia, was cancelled only for the third time in its 197-year history.[308]
- Vivid Sydney was cancelled for the first time in its history.[309]
- The Sydney Writers' Festival suspended ticket sales and are expected to cancel their seasons.[310]
- The Festival of Dangerous Ideas was cancelled on 16 March.[311]
- The Byron Bay Bluesfest announced that it would be cancelled due to the introduction of 14-day self-isolation for anyone entering Australia.[312]
- The Hunter Valley Steamfest was cancelled.[313][314]
- Splendour in the Grass was postponed from July 2020 until 23–25 October 2020.[315]
- The Sydney Film Festival was cancelled on 18 March.[316]
- On 17 March 2020, the Canowindra International Balloon Challenge which was due to be held in April 2020 was cancelled due to concerns about "the spread of coronavirus".[317]
Tasmania
- On 11 March, the head of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), David Walsh, cancelled the Dark Mofo winter arts festival.[318] He announced on 16 March that the museum itself would be closed indefinitely.[319]
- The government announced that the Legislative Council elections that were due to take place on 30 May 2020 was deferred to 1 August.[320]
South Australia
- South Australian National Football League men's and women's games will not be held in front of a crowd from 14 March.[321]
- Basketball South Australia decided jointly with the National Basketball league to postpone NBL1 Central games till at least 18 April 2020.[322][323]
- Rowing South Australia has cancelled the South Australian portion of Head of the River.[324]
Victoria
- The 2020 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (scheduled for 25–29 March 2020) was cancelled.[325]
- The 2020 Melbourne International Comedy Festival (scheduled for 25 March – 19 April 2020) was cancelled due to banned public gatherings of more than 500 people.[326]
- The 2020 Melbourne International Jazz Festival (scheduled for 29 May – 12 June) was cancelled, however replaced by a virtual online event by These Digital Times.[327]
- The 2020 annual Melbourne Food & Wine Festival (due to start in March 2020) was postponed to Spring.[328]
- The 2020 annual Royal Melbourne Show (due to start in mid-September) was cancelled.[329]
- The 2020 annual Royal Geelong Show (scheduled for October) was cancelled.[330]
See also
- COVID-19 pandemic by country
- COVID-19 pandemic in Oceania
- Biosecurity in Australia
- National Cabinet of Australia
- National COVID-19 Coordination Commission
- National Security Committee (Australia)
- Coronavirus Australia
- List of incidents of xenophobia and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic#Australia
References
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers". health.gov.au. Autralian Department of Health. 14 August 2020. Retrieved 14 August 2020. (
- "First confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Australia". Australian Government Department of Health. 25 January 2020. Archived from the original on 15 February 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- Burke, Kelly (19 March 2020). "Australia closes borders to stop coronavirus". 7 News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "Australia's social distancing rules have been enhanced to slow coronavirus — here's how they work". ABC. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Australia coronavirus updates live: NSW and Victoria to shut down non-essential services". The Guardian Australia. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Restrictions on non-essential services". business.gov.au. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
- "How Victoria's coronavirus response became a public health 'bushfire' with a second-wave lockdown". ABC News (Australia). 11 July 2020. Retrieved 11 July 2020.
- Elsevier. "Novel Coronavirus Information Center". Elsevier Connect. Archived from the original on 30 January 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Reynolds, Matt (4 March 2020). "What is coronavirus and how close is it to becoming a pandemic?". Wired UK. ISSN 1357-0978. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 5 March 2020.
- "Crunching the numbers for coronavirus". Imperial News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "High consequence infectious diseases (HCID); Guidance and information about high consequence infectious diseases and their management in England". GOV.UK. Archived from the original on 3 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "World Federation Of Societies of Anaesthesiologists – Coronavirus". www.wfsahq.org. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) at a glance". Australian Government Department of Health. 5 April 2020. Retrieved 19 May 2020. (
- Fowler, Michael (6 April 2020). "Australia publishes virus recovery tally". Brisbane Times. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- Packham, Colin; Coates, Stephen (21 January 2020). "Australia to screen some flights from China, warns coronavirus difficult to stop". CNA. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- Daoud, Elizabeth (25 January 2020). "First Australian coronavirus case confirmed in Victoria". 7 News.
- Doherty, Ben (25 January 2020). "Coronavirus: three cases in NSW and one in Victoria as infection reaches Australia". The Guardian. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- Cunningham, Melissa; McCauley, Dana (25 January 2020). "Coronavirus spreads across Australia amid scramble to find more cases". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- Drevikovsky, Janek; Chung, Laura (25 January 2020). "Two probable coronavirus cases in NSW". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 25 January 2020. Retrieved 25 January 2020.
- "Australians told not to travel to mainland China due to coronavirus threat, border restrictions tightened considerably". abc.net.au. 1 February 2020. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 2 February 2020.
- "Chinese woman in Queensland confirmed as 15th Australian coronavirus case". SBS. Australian Associated Press. 6 February 2020. Archived from the original on 14 February 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- Cheng, Laura; Bagshaw, Eryk (22 February 2020). "Five more Australian Diamond Princess cruise passengers diagnosed with coronavirus". Archived from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) current situation and case numbers". 15 March 2020. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert". Australian Government Department of Health. 29 February 2020. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
- Worthington, Brett (28 February 2020). "Coronavirus pandemic fears prompt Government to activate emergency response and extend travel ban". abc.net.au. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
- Conifer, Dan (29 February 2020). "Australia announces Iran travel ban amid COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic". abc.net.au. Archived from the original on 29 February 2020. Retrieved 29 February 2020.
- "WA man becomes first Australian to die from coronavirus". 7 News. 1 March 2020. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 1 March 2020.
- Rourke, Alison; Ratcliffe, Rebecca; Taylor, Josh; Farrer, Martin; McCurry, Justin (2 March 2020). "Coronavirus live update: Australia reports first cases of community transmission". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 March 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- "Australia records first cases of human-to-human transmission of coronavirus". abc.net.au. 2 March 2020. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- "First coronavirus case confirmed in Tasmania, after man who travelled from Iran tests positive for COVID-19". abc.net.au. 2 March 2020. Archived from the original on 2 March 2020. Retrieved 2 March 2020.
- Han, Esther (4 March 2020). "First coronavirus death confirmed in NSW as infections increase". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 5 March 2020. Retrieved 4 March 2020.
- Wahlquist, Calla (8 March 2020). "Doctor who had coronavirus demands apology from Victorian health minister over 'inaccuracies'". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 8 March 2020. Retrieved 8 March 2020.
- Precel, Nicole; Sakkal, Paul; Papworth, Tate (7 March 2020). "'Flabbergasted': Doctor saw 70 patients at Toorak clinic while infected with coronavirus". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 March 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- "Melbourne GP clinic closed after doctor tests positive for coronavirus". ABC News. 7 March 2020. Archived from the original on 7 March 2020. Retrieved 7 March 2020.
- Nguyen, Kevin; Moret, Glen (8 March 2020). "Third Australian with coronavirus dies as infection rates in NSW climbs". ABC News. Archived from the original on 6 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Three new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria". Victorian State Government Health. 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
- Services, Department of Health & Human. "Three new cases of COVID-19 in Victoria". www2.health.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- "Dark Mofo 2020 Statement | Dark Mofo". darkmofo.net.au. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus now Australia-wide as ACT confirms first case of COVID-19". ABC News. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- "Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson test positive for coronavirus on the Gold Coast". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- "Tom Hanks Says He Has Coronavirus". New York Times. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 12 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- Ferguson, Richard; Moffet Gray, Lachlan; Visontay, Elias; Robinson, Natasha (12 March 2020). "Coronavirus: We have a clear plan to see Australia through, says Scott Morrison". The Australian. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- "Media Statements – COVID-19 precaution postpones works at Peel Health Campus". www.mediastatements.wa.gov.au. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- Services, Department of Health & Human. "More COVID-19 cases confirmed in Victoria". www2.health.vic.gov.au. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Livingston, Angus (13 March 2020). "Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has coronavirus". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Davey, Melissa (14 March 2020). "All new jury trials in Victoria to be suspended amid coronavirus crisis". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Government reviewing Italy travel advice amid coronavirus lockdown". Nine News. 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 10 March 2020. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic phase will call for 'extreme measures', Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says". 10 March 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "State Of Emergency Declared In Victoria Over COVID-19". Premier of Victoria. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "University of Queensland halts all lectures due to coronavirus fears". ABC News. 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "'Precautionary measures' introduced at WA schools in bid to avoid coronavirus". ABC News. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Another eight Queenslanders confirmed with COVID-19". ABC News. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) Declaration2020" (PDF). Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 29 March 2020. Cite journal requires
|journal=(help) - McPhee, Sarah (17 March 2020). "Human biosecurity emergency declared in Australia". NewsComAu. Retrieved 23 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus: calls to repatriate 15,000 crew members from cruise ships off Australia's coast". The Guardian. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics – News". NSW Health. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus: thousands who left cruise ship in Sydney told to self-isolate after three people test positive". The Guardian. 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- "Qantas domestic network changes" (Press release). Qantas.
...we'll be suspending around 60 per cent of our domestic flying until the end of May 2020.
- "Qantas to cease international flying, tells majority of workforce to take leave". Reuters. 19 March 2020.
- "Qantas International network changes" (Press release). Qantas.
All Qantas and Jetstar international flights from Australia will be suspended from the end of March until at least 31 May 2020. Some additional services may be considered to assist with repatriation. More than 150 aircraft will be grounded during this time, including all of Qantas’ A380s, 747s and B787s.
- "Coronavirus: Australia to close pubs, cafes and places of worship". bbc.com. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus infections in NSW pass 800, Australia's eighth death confirmed". ABC News. 24 March 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- "Interstate coronavirus cases from Ruby Princess jump as more than 100 outside NSW test positive". The Guardian. 28 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
- National COVID-19 Coordination Commission Media Release Prime Minister's Office Media Release 25 March 2020
- National COVID-19 Coordination Commission established Shannon Jenkins The Mandarin 25 March 2020
- Nev Power to lead COVID-19 commission Julie-anne Sprague The Australian Financial Review 25 March 2020
- Morrison launches COVID-19 Coordination Commission, cancels non-urgent surgery Dana McCauley Sydney Morning Herald 25 March 2020
- "Australia prepares to fly cruise passengers to Germany". Associated Press. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus patients from Artania cruise ship sent to Joondalup hospital after 29 new COVID-19 positive tests". ABC News (Australia). 30 March 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- Perpitch, Nicolas (18 April 2020). "Artania cruise ship leaves Fremantle after fatal coronavirus outbreak on board". ABC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "More than 400 coronavirus cases – 10% of Australia's total – are from Ruby Princess cruise ship". The Guardian. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus death in ACT was a passenger on the under-fire Ruby Princess cruise ship". Seven Network. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- "JobKeeper numbers cut by 3 million after Federal Government reveals accounting bungle in coronavirus stimulus program". ABC News (Australia). 23 May 2020. Retrieved 27 May 2020.
- "Federal Government offers $130b in coronavirus wage subsidies for businesses to pay workers". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 30 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus cluster linked to Qantas baggage handlers at Adelaide Airport continues to grow". ABC. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 1 April 2020.
- "New COVID-19 restrictions on travel within WA as big queues form on WA/SA border ahead of closure - ABC News". www.abc.net.au. 24 March 2020. Retrieved 8 May 2020.
- "Australian coronavirus death toll rises to 24 as Victoria records sixth death". ABC. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
- Nguyen, Kevin; Thomas, Sarah (5 April 2020). "Homicide detectives launch criminal probe into coronavirus ship deaths". ABC News. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- Fowler, Michael (6 April 2020). "Australia publishes virus recovery tally". The Age. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- Nguyen, Kevin (27 April 2020). "Four more residents at Newmarch House dead after contracting coronavirus at aged care facility –". ABC News (on-line). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
- Chapman, Alex (28 April 2020). "Four residents at nursing home die from coronavirus in less than 24 hours". 7NEWS.com.au. 7 News. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
- Staff (14 April 2020). "NSW Health confirms 10 coronavirus cases now at Western Sydney aged care home – ABC News". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
- Thomas, Sarah (19 May 2020). "Anglicare Newmarch House coronavirus deaths hit 19 after 93yo aged care resident dies". ABC News (on-line). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 19 May 2020.
- "Tasmania closes two hospitals to 'stamp out' coronavirus outbreak in the north-west". ABC News. 12 April 2020.
- McNeill, Heather (15 April 2020). "'Breathtakingly arrogant': First person jailed for breaking hotel quarantine". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus recovery: ACT becomes first state or territory to be free of known cases of COVID-19". ABC News (Australia). 30 April 2020. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
- "COVID-19 update – 4 May 2020". www.covid19.act.gov.au. ACT Government. 4 May 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- "Canberra free of active coronavirus cases for second time in 10 days". www.abc.net.au. 10 May 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 02 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 2 May 2020. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
- Boseley, Matilda (8 May 2020). "Cedar Meats cluster: why abattoir workers are on the coronavirus frontline" – via www.theguardian.com.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 09 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 9 May 2020. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- Fowler, Michael; Baker, Richard (9 May 2020). "Cedar Meats outbreak reaches 75 as authorities investigate animal cruelty". The Age.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 13 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 14 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 14 May 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2020.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 18 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 18 May 2020. Retrieved 18 May 2020.
- Hirst, David (13 May 2020). "NSW pubs and clubs to reopen on Friday for dining after coronavirus shutdown -". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- Woolley, Summer (12 May 2020). "NSW Premier sets the record straight on pubs in Sunrise interview". 7NEWS. Seven West Media. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- "No remaining cases of coronavirus in South Australia, health authorities confirm". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 15 May 2020.
- "South Australia records first new coronavirus case in 19 days amid easing restrictions". www.abc.net.au.
- "SA again clear of active COVID-19 cases". www.news.com.au. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 17 May 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 17 May 2020. Retrieved 17 May 2020.
- "All NT's coronavirus patients have recovered, but the Chief Minister says 'fight' is not over". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- "No active COVID-19 cases in NT". www.coronavirus.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 21 May 2020.
- Baker, Richard (13 August 2020). "Patient zero for Victoria's second wave was not a security guard". The Age. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- Dexter, Rachael; Calligeros, Marissa (7 August 2020). "Hotel quarantine problems? 'I found out in the media,' says Sutton". The Age. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- "Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus update for Victoria - 06 June 2020". www.dhhs.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2 July 2020.
- "ACT records first new coronavirus case in more than a month". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- "Canberra's one active coronavirus case recovers, territory is now free of active cases". www.canberratimes.com.au. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- "Tasmania to ease coronavirus restrictions early, with no active cases in the state". www.abc.net.au. Retrieved 12 June 2020.
- "Victorian coronavirus restrictions tightening as cases continue to increase". ABC News (Australia). 20 June 2020. Retrieved 20 June 2020.
- "WA coronavirus restrictions eased further as Western Australia moves to phase four". ABC News (Australia). 22 June 2020. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- Nally, Alicia. "How Victoria's coronavirus lockdown across 10 Melbourne postcodes will work". ABC News. Archived from the original on 30 June 2020. Retrieved 30 June 2020.
- Davey, Melissa (30 June 2020). "Melbourne suburbs lockdown announced as Victoria battles coronavirus outbreaks". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- "Melbourne postcodes to go back into coronavirus lockdown". 9 News. 30 June 2020. Archived from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2020.
- "Judicial Inquiry Into Hotel Quarantine Program". Premier of Victoria. Victorian State Government. 2 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- "Coronavirus update for Victoria - 4 July 2020". Department of Health and Human Services, State Government of Victoria. 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
- "Victoria coronavirus cases rise by 108 as Daniel Andrews strengthens lockdown at nine public housing estates". ABC News. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 5 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- Thomas, Sarah (4 July 2020). "International arrivals capped at Sydney Airport to ease quarantine demands". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- "NSW border with Victoria to close from Wednesday as Daniel Andrews announces 127 new coronavirus cases in the state". ABC News. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 7 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "'We're on the cusp of something very, very bad': Premier's warning as restrictions reimposed on Melbourne". ABC News. 7 July 2020. Archived from the original on 7 July 2020. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- NSW Government Digital Channels (11 July 2020). "Quarantine arrangements for international travellers". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- "Tough new COVID-19 compliance measures for pubs". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 14 July 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- Borys, Stephanie; Macmillan, Jade (17 July 2020). "Coronavirus crisis forces fortnight Federal Parliament sitting to be cancelled". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
- "Face Coverings Mandatory For Melbourne And Mitchell Shire". www.premier.vic.gov.au. Victorian State Government. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- "NSW sets new airport arrival limits". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 19 July 2020. Retrieved 19 July 2020.
- Stayner, Tom (20 July 2020). "JobKeeper and JobSeeker to be extended beyond September at lower rate with stricter eligibility". SBS News. Special Broadcasting Service. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
- Daile Cross; Nathan Hondros (31 July 2020). "'I think he's the enemy of Australia': McGowan ramps up war of words with Palmer on WA border battle". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- Weber, David (30 July 2020). "Clive Palmer claims Mark McGowan's coronavirus hard border will destroy lives of West Australians". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 31 July 2020.
- "Melbourne placed under stage 4 lockdown, 8pm curfew, regional Victoria moved to stage 3 restrictions". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 2 August 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- "Victorian meat plants are cutting output by a third. Here's how it will impact supermarket shelves". ABC News. Australia. 6 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
- Hondros, Nathan; Pilat, Lauren (2 August 2020). "Morrison drops Commonwealth involvement in Palmer's 'hard border' legal fight". WA Today. Retrieved 2 August 2020.
- "Easing of coronavirus restrictions delayed as WA remains on 'high alert' due to Victorian outbreak". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 7 August 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2020.
- Chief Minister, Treasury and Economic Development. "Home". COVID-19. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- "COVID-19 (Coronavirus) statistics - News". www.health.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- "Find the facts about COVID-19". www.health.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- Coronavirus (COVID-19). "Current status". coronavirus.nt.gov.au. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- "Queensland COVID-19 statistics". www.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- "Dashboard and daily update". www.covid-19.sa.gov.au. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- Government, Tasmanian. "Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) - Cases and testing updates". www.coronavirus.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 9 June 2020.
- "Department of Health and Human Services Victoria | Coronavirus update for Victoria - 18 August 2020". www.dhhs.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- "COVID-19 update 18 August 2020". ww2.health.wa.gov.au. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
- Pannett, Rachel (1 February 2020). "Australia Restricts Travelers From Mainland China as Virus Impact Spreads". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 25 February 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- Lawson, Kirsten (4 March 2020). "New virus cases trigger tougher travel restrictions on Iran". The Canberra Times. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- McCauley, Eryk Bagshaw, Dana (5 March 2020). "Australia puts travel ban on South Korea, enhanced screening on Italy". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- Bagshaw, Eryk (10 March 2020). "Australia bans travellers from Italy". Brisbane Times. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "Australia blocks arrival of all non-citizens, non-residents in expanded coronavirus travel ban - ABC News". Abc.net.au. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- Bonyhady, Nick; Duke, Jennifer (13 March 2020). "Leaders in unprecedented 'national cabinet' to tackle coronavirus". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Worthington, political correspondent Brett (13 March 2020). "Gatherings of more than 500 people to be cancelled amid coronavirus fears". ABC News. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Lamb, Kate (15 March 2020). "Australia's' 'war cabinet' set to meet as COVID-19 cases surpass 250". Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Scott Morrison defends decision to attend rugby league game during coronavirus outbreak – video". The Guardian. 13 March 2020. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
- "Australia orders all arrivals to self-isolate". BBC News. 15 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "Australia's coronavirus death toll rises". 7NEWS.com.au. 15 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Karp, Paul (15 March 2020). "All overseas arrivals in Australia must self-isolate for 14 days under new coronavirus rules". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Borys, Stephanie (15 March 2020). "Australia enforces self-isolation on overseas arrivals, lockdowns on the table". ABC News. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "National Cabinet Statement" (Press release). Prime Minister of Australia. 29 March 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2020.
- Maclean, Howard; Elphick, Karen (27 March 2020). "COVID-19 Biosecurity Emergency Declaration". Parliament of Australia. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- Roy, Eleanor (19 March 2020). "New Zealand and Australia close borders to foreigners amid coronavirus crisis". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "Update on coronavirus measures" (Press release). Prime Minister of Australia. 20 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
- "Update on coronavirus measures" (Press release). Prime Minister of Australia. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 April 2020. Retrieved 29 April 2020.
- "SA, WA to close borders as COVID-19 cases across Australia surge". SBS Australia. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus Australia: Pubs Casinos Churches Cinemas To..." 10daily.com.au. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus: Australia to close pubs, cafes and places of worship". bbc.com. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Biosecurity (Human Biosecurity Emergency) (Human Coronavirus with Pandemic Potential) (Emergency Requirements—Public Health Contact Information) Determination 2020". Federal Register of Legislation. Australian Government. 25 April 2020. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
- Worthington, t Brett (26 April 2020). "Coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe released by Government to halt spread of COVID-19 in Australia". ABC News. Retrieved 26 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus Australia latest: at a glance". 29 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- "Scott Morrison just announced the two-person rule in the fight against coronavirus, but what does it actually mean?". 29 March 2020. Retrieved 30 March 2020.
- Smith, Alexandra (15 March 2020). "'Matter of life and death': NSW Police can enforce isolation bans". Brisbane Times.
- Baker, Jordan (15 March 2020). "School assemblies, excursions and events to be cancelled". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Meade, Amanda (15 March 2020). "Australian schools stay open amid coronavirus but NSW brings in social distancing". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Sydney news: Coronavirus closes Katoomba High School, prisons begin screening". ABC. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- Sanda, Dominica (15 March 2020). "'Brace yourselves' as NSW virus cases rise". 7NEWS.com.au.
- "A joint announcement of the Supreme Court of NSW and the District Court of NSW" (PDF). Supreme Court of New South Wales. Supreme Court of New South Wales. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Trembath, Murray (16 March 2020). "Court trials suspended". St George & Sutherland Shire Leader.
- Baker, Jordan (13 March 2020). "University cancels all events, moves courses online to slow spread of virus". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- @UNSW (16 March 2020). "#CORONAVIRUS UPDATE (16 March): We are continuing to carefully follow the guidance of @NSWHealth in our response to COVID-19. It is now sensible to take these additional steps to help shape the profile of the epidemic" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- "NSW schools to cancel assemblies, sport". www.9news.com.au. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "COVID19 Q and A". Lordhoweisland.info. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
- "Public Health (COVID-19 Restrictions on Gathering and Movement) Order 2020" (PDF). legislation.nsw.gov.au. 30 April 2020. Retrieved 22 May 2020.
- Staff (10 June 2020). "Major relaxation of NSW coronavirus restrictions as 20 people allowed inside homes". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- "Further COVID-19 restrictions set to ease from 1 July". www.nsw.gov.au. NSW Government. 14 June 2020. Retrieved 16 July 2020.
- Thomas, Sarah (17 July 2020). "What you can and can't do from next week in NSW under new coronavirus restrictions". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 July 2020.
- "Anyone arriving in NSW from Victoria forced into 14-day hotel quarantine". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 5 August 2020. Retrieved 5 August 2020.
- "Victorian state of emergency extended for another month as new coronavirus cases decline". www.abc.net.au. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 March 2020. Retrieved 12 March 2020.
- Harris, Benjamin Preiss, Rob (22 March 2020). "Schools closed from Tuesday in drastic bid to curb coronavirus spread". The Age. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Victoria's coronavirus testing criteria expanding as virus continues to spread in community". ABC News. 14 April 2020. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- Services, Department of Health & Human. "2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)". www2.health.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
- "Queensland first to make emergency declarations in January – The Queensland Cabinet and Ministerial Directory". statements.qld.gov.au. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "View – Queensland Legislation – Queensland Government". www.legislation.qld.gov.au. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "Home Confinement, Movement and Gathering Direction". Queensland Health. Queensland Government. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- "Non-essential business, activity and undertaking Closure Direction (No.5)". Queensland Health. Queensland Government. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- "Queensland border closure". COVID-19 Government Actions. Queensland Government. 11 April 2020.
- "Border restrictions Direction (No.4)". Queensland Health. Queensland Government. 10 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- "Important updates: coronavirus (COVID-19)". Parks and forests. Queensland Government. 8 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- "Restricting cruise ships from entering Queensland waters Direction". Queensland Health. Queensland Government. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- "Three beaches to be closed". Search form Search City of Gold Coast. Search form Search City of Gold Coast. 6 April 2020. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
- Marian Faa (15 April 2020). "Torres Strait residents fighting to get home given 'no warning' of COVID-19 travel restrictions". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
- "Western Australia, South Australia to close borders in response to coronavirus pandemic". ABC News. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- Parke, Erin; Nadge, Rebecca; Carmody, James (2 April 2020). "Kimberley coronavirus case spike sees shire borders closed to protect the vulnerable from COVID-19". ABC News. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- "Coronavirus sees WA close its borders from midnight on Sunday to stop COVID-19 spread from eastern states". ABC News. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 2 April 2020.
- Perpitch, Nicolas (18 April 2020). "Artania cruise ship leaves Fremantle after fatal coronavirus outbreak on board". ABC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Keane, Daniel (15 March 2020). "Coronavirus prompts declaration of public health emergency in South Australia". ABC News. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "South Australia to close borders and require all arrivals to self-isolate". 9 News. 22 March 2020. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- Wills, Daniel; Smith, Matt; Hough, Andrew (22 March 2020). "Premier Steven Marshall will isolate SA as coronavirus surges". The Advertiser. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- "Emergency Management Act 2004". South Australian Legislation. Government of South Australia. Attorney-General's Dept. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
- "Prohibited Gatherings of People in South Australia (New Declaration COVID-19)". South Australia Police. 27 March 2020. Archived from the original on 29 March 2020. Retrieved 29 March 2020.
- "Tasmanian school to close due to coronavirus". www.themercury.com.au. 15 March 2020. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- "Public Health Emergency for Tasmania declared". Tasmanian Government Department of Health. Retrieved 5 April 2020.
- "Tasmania to enforce 'toughest border measures in the country' amid coronavirus pandemic". ABC News. 19 March 2020. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- Department of Premier and Cabinet. (16 April 2020). "Important information for people in north-west Tasmania". Coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Tasmanian Government. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- "Tasmania calls in ADF medics as coronavirus tally hits 150". ABC News. ABC. 13 April 2020. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
- "Public Health Emergency declared for ACT". www.cmtedd.act.gov.au. ACT Government. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
The ACT Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith has declared a Public Health Emergency in response to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation across Australia
- "Canberra coronavirus cases increase as Health Minister halts prison visits". ABC News. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- "Northern Territory introduces strict new coronavirus border controls to halt COVID-19 spread". ABC News. 21 March 2020. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- Heaney, Chelsea (1 May 2020). "Coronavirus restrictions ease in the Northern Territory amid warnings of a second wave – ABC News". ABC News (online). Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
... from midday today people in the NT were able to camp in some of the area's national parks and reserves, as well as visit public swimming pools, waterparks, go fishing with friends and play golf.
- Lansdown, Sarah (3 April 2020). "Jervis Bay Territory closed to all visitors until April 23". The Canberra Times. Retrieved 26 May 2020.
- "Coronavirus fears on Norfolk Island prompt travel ban as state of emergency declared". 17 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus—travel ban". Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 6 June 2020.
- "5676.0.55.003 – Business Indicators, Business Impacts of COVID-19, Week Commencing 30 March 2020". www.abs.gov.au. Australian Bureau of Statistics. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- Janda, Michael (3 March 2020). "Coronavirus crisis sees RBA slash interest rates to new low of 0.5pc". ABC News. Retrieved 3 March 2020.
- "Economic Stimulus Package". www.liberal.org.au. 12 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- Martin, Sarah (12 March 2020). "What the Australian government's $17bn coronavirus stimulus package means for you". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- Scott, Jason; Alexandra Veroude, Alexandra (11 March 2020). "Australia Unveils A$17.6 Billion in Stimulus to Combat Virus". Bloomberg. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- Lowe, Philip (19 March 2020). "Statement by Philip Lowe, Governor: Monetary Policy Decision". Reserve Bank of Australia. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "8501.0.55.008 – Retail Trade, Australia, Preliminary, February 2020". Australian Bureau of Statistics. 18 March 2020. Retrieved 19 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus Supplement - How much you can get". www.servicesaustralia.gov.au. Services Australia. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 20 July 2020.
The Coronavirus Supplement is a fortnightly $550 payment on top of your eligible income support payment. We'll pay it from 27 April 2020 until 24 September 2020
- Hitch, Georgia (22 May 2020). "JobKeeper numbers cut by 3 million after Federal Government reveals accounting bungle in coronavirus stimulus program". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- Worthington, Brett (24 May 2020). "Scott Morrison takes responsibility for Federal Government's $60 billion JobKeeper mistake". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
- "Coronavirus pandemic sends Australia into its largest budget deficit in decades". CNBC. Retrieved 23 July 2020.
- Bailey, Jackie (26 March 2020). "Governments around the world respond to COVID-19 impact on the arts". ArtsHub Australia. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "COVID-19 update". Australian Government. Department of Communications and the Arts. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Australian GLAMs and COVID-19". closed-glams-covid19. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- "Media Release: Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2020 Has Been Cancelled". Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Opera Australia Cancels Performances Due to Coronavirus". Opera Wire. 15 March 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2020.
- "We have cancelled the 2020 Festival".
- Anatolitis, Esther (8 April 2020). "Australia's arts have been hardest hit by coronavirus. So why aren't they getting support? | Esther Anatolitis". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- Knaus, Christopher (7 April 2020). "Coronavirus crisis has had staggering impact on Australian businesses, data reveals". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "COVID-19". Australia Council. 5 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Eltham, Ben (27 March 2020). "'We'll see bankruptcies': how coronavirus has shut down Australian film and TV". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Mason, Graeme (27 March 2020). "Coronavirus response update". Screen Australia. Archived from the original on 6 April 2020.
- Mason, Graeme (15 April 2020). "Coronavirus response update". Screen Australia. Archived from the original on 18 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Reich, Hannah (18 April 2020). "'Freaking out' and 'falling through the cracks': Screen industry workers explain the shutdown crisis". ABC News (ABC Arts: The Screen Show). Retrieved 19 April 2020.
- Boland, Michaela; Timms, Penny (20 April 2020). "Making TV in the coronavirus pandemic: Why the television industry is watching what Neighbours does next". ABC News. Retrieved 20 April 2020.
- "Australia Council offers $5m in arts grants during COVID-19". QNews. 31 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Cooper, Nathanael (8 April 2020). "$27 million for arts organisations in new targeted support package". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
- Miller, Nick (7 April 2020). "'Wrack and ruin': Leading actors warn industry is on brink of collapse". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 7 April 2020.
- "The workers shut out of jobkeeper: 'I've lost 100% of my business'". The Guardian. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2020.
- Smith, Matthew (25 April 2020). "Nearly 200,000 arts workers ineligible for JobKeeper as COVID-19 hits $15b industry". ABC News. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- Boseley, Matilda; Convery, Stephanie (5 May 2020). "Carriageworks goes into voluntary administration citing 'irreparable loss of income' due to coronavirus". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 10 May 2020.
- Pengilley, Victoria (4 May 2020). "Carriageworks calls in administrators amid coronavirus pandemic". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- Boland, Michaela (9 May 2020). "Coronavirus impact sees Sydney's Carriageworks close as insiders tip COVID-19 to hit more venues". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- "AGSA to Reopen". AGSA - The Art Gallery of South Australia. 13 May 2020. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- Macmillan, Jade (24 June 2020). "Arts industry to receive $250 million coronavirus rescue package from Federal Government". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
- Buxton-Collins, Alexis (25 June 2020). "The arts receives $250 million federal stimulus, but is it months too late, and hundreds of millions short?". The Adelaide Review. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
- "Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status 2019 – Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status – Health Facts". Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. 9 April 2020. Retrieved 17 April 2020.
- Overview of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health status 2019. Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet. 2020. ISBN 978-0-6487974-0-1.
- Ward, James; Agostino, Jason (19 March 2020). "Coronavirus will devastate Aboriginal communities if we don't act now". The Conversation. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Allam, Lorena (6 March 2020). "Indigenous coronavirus taskforce meets as remote communities restrict access". The Guardian. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Branley, Alison (6 March 2020). "Remote Indigenous communities move to block outside visitors over coronavirus outbreak fears". ABC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Boltje, Stephanie (31 March 2020). "SA Health rejects Indigenous elders' request to leave remote lands during coronavirus outbreak". ABC News (The Drum). Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)" (PDF). Australian Government. Department of Health. March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020. Cite journal requires
|journal=(help) - Bond, Chelsea; Whop, Lisa J. (2 April 2020). "The answer to Indigenous vulnerability to coronavirus: a more equitable public health agenda". The Conversation. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Kennedy, Paul (29 March 2020). "Government restricts indoor and outdoor gatherings to two people". ABC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) advice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and remote communities". Australian Government. Department of Health. 29 March 2020. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19)". National Indigenous Australians Agency. 6 April 2020. Archived from the original on 14 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "$123 million boost to Indigenous response to COVID-19". Ministers Media Centre. 2 April 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- McLennan, Chris (9 March 2020). "Pandemic clinics to open across the Territory". Katherine Times. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Roberts, Lauren (3 May 2020). "Aboriginal Territorians are 'significantly represented' in disease outbreaks, but not coronavirus". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- Roberts, Lauren (18 March 2020). "NT doctors recommend suspending elective surgery and dental services amid COVID-19 pandemic". ABC News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus". Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships (Queensland Government). 31 March 2020. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) information for Aboriginal communities". Department of Health and Human Services Victoria. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- "Coronavirus (COVID-19) for Aboriginal people". Healthy WA. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- Volkofsky, Aimee (12 May 2020). "Indigenous community sets up camp on Darling River to avoid coronavirus risk in overcrowded homes". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
- "Coronavirus forces Stawell Gift to be put on hold". ABC News. 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- Cleary, Mitch (16 March 2020). "Season cut to 17 games, call delayed on R1 start". Australian Football League. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- Canil, Jourdan (13 March 2020). "Coronavirus crisis: What we know, what we don't". Australian Football League. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Hytner, Mike (22 March 2020). "AFL suspends season and cancels AFLW amid coronavirus crisis". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 March 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2020.
- "AFL 2020 season will restart on June 11 following coronavirus shutdown". ABC News (Australia). 15 May 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- "Heartbreak for Fremantle as title hopes dashed". The West Australian. 22 March 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2020.
- Ward, Roy (13 March 2020). "NBL grand final series to be completed behind closed doors". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Wenzel, Murray (19 March 2020). "Perth Wildcats named NBL champions after finals cancellation". The Roar. Archived from the original on 21 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- Decent, Tom (14 March 2020). "New Zealand cricketers rush to leave Australia as one-day series called off". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "AFLW, AFL, NRL go behind closed doors as Covid-19 wreaks havoc in Australian sport". The Guardian. Australian Associated Press. 13 March 2020. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- Richards, Giles (13 March 2020). "Formula One's Australian Grand Prix cancelled amid coronavirus fears". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "Coronavirus: Everyone coming to New Zealand must isolate for 14 days, Prime Minister Ardern says". Stuff. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- Kennedy, Chris; Newton, Alicia (15 March 2020). "NRL announces competition to continue despite increased travel restrictions". National Rugby League. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Walsh, Dan; Newton, Alicia (23 March 2020). "NRL suspends competition due to coronavirus pandemic". National Rugby League. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2020.
- Danks, Chris (16 March 2020). "Prime Minister Scott Morrison hoses down suggestions of NRL bailout". Sporting News. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- Symonds, Nick (19 March 2020). "How well are the football codes placed to bounce back from COVID-19". The Roar. Archived from the original on 19 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- Atkinson, Cody; Lawson, Sean; Coventry, James (18 March 2020). "An extended coronavirus shutdown may change sport as we know it in Australia". ABC News. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 21 March 2020.
- "NRL 'definitely' restarting on May 28, clubs to resume training soon: Pearce". nrl.com. 22 April 2020. Retrieved 1 May 2020.
- "NRL announces 20-round season, grand final to be played on October 25". ABC News. 28 April 2020. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
- Walsh, Dan (29 May 2020). "1.3 million reasons to smile: NRL return most-watched since 2014". nrl.com. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- Phillip, Sam (29 May 2020). "Fake yeews: The story behind the NRL's new faux crowd noise". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- Phillips, Sam (29 May 2020). "Broncos-Eels clash most-watched regular-season NRL game since 2014". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- Decent, Tom (14 March 2020). "All Super Rugby matches to be cancelled after Sunday's fixtures". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 15 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Pisani, Sacha (16 March 2020). "A-League to continue despite coronavirus with Wellington Phoenix set to relocate to Australia". goal.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "A-League season suspended due to coronavirus pandemic, joins AFL, NRL in closing doors". ABC News. 23 March 2020. Archived from the original on 24 March 2020. Retrieved 24 March 2020.
- "Australia demands coronavirus enquiry, adding to pressure on China". Cnbc.com. 19 April 2020. Retrieved 12 May 2020.
- "In diplomatic terms, China just lobbed a small hand grenade at Australia". www.abc.net.au. 29 April 2020.
- McGuirk, Rod (1 May 2020). "China Warns Australia It Could Face Boycotts Over Call for an Independent Inquiry Into Coronavirus". Time. TIME USA, LLC. AP. Retrieved 13 May 2020.
China’s warning of trade repercussions from Australia’s campaign for an independent inquiry into the coronavirus has rattled Australian business leaders
- Hurst, Daniel (13 May 2020). "Australia-China trade tensions raise fears over future of agricultural exports". The Guardian. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- "Coronavirus forces cancellation of Anzac Day services in Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia". ABC. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 29 June 2020.
- "Statement on the Coronavirus Pandemic". SS4C Australia. Archived from the original on 4 April 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- McCann, Mitch (17 March 2020). "Coronavirus: COVID-19 halts Australia's deportation regime". Newshub. Archived from the original on 17 March 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "NAPLAN exams cancelled due to coronavirus disruptions". 20 March 2020. Archived from the original on 20 March 2020. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- "Groovin The Moo 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus, 2021 dates announced". ABC – Triple J. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2020.
- Staff (13 March 2020). "'Distressing and disappointing': Sydney Royal Easter Show cancelled due to coronavirus". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 13 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "Vivid Sydney 2020 Cancelled – Destination NSW". www.destinationnsw.com.au. Destination NSW.
- Dye, Josh; Buckley, John; Quinn, Karl (13 March 2020). "'Very confusing': Frustration grows as Sydney events cancelled due to crowd bans". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 14 March 2020. Retrieved 15 March 2020.
- Longstaff, Simon (16 March 2020). "The Festival of Dangerous Ideas has been cancelled". ethics.org.au. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- Cashmere, Paul (16 March 2020). "Bluesfest 2020 Has Been Cancelled". Noise11.com. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- Steamfest 2020 Cancelled Hunter Valley Steamiest
- Maitland Steamiest cancelled due to coronavirus crowd ban Maitland Mercury 16 March 2020
- "Splendour in the Grass". Archived from the original on 20 February 2020. Retrieved 17 March 2020.
- "SFF 2020 Has Been Cancelled". 18 March 2020. Archived from the original on 18 March 2020. Retrieved 18 March 2020.
- Staff (17 March 2020). "Canowindra International Balloon Challenge cancelled due to coronavirus concerns". Canowindra News. Australian Community Media. Retrieved 3 May 2020.
- "Dark Mofo 2020 cancelled due to coronavirus fears". ABC News. 11 March 2020. Archived from the original on 11 March 2020. Retrieved 11 March 2020.
- "Hobart's Museum of Old and New Art to close indefinitely due to coronavirus fears". ABC. 16 March 2020. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 16 March 2020.
- "Legislative Council Elections to be deferred". www.premier.tas.gov.au. Retrieved 23 May 2020.
- "SANFL UPDATE RE CORONAVIRUS". SANFL. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "COVID-19 Update – 13/03/20". Basketball SA. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "COVID-19 Update – NBL1 Central 14/03/20". Basketball SA. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "SA Schools Head of the River – CANCELLED | Rowing South Australia". rowingsa.asn.au. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "Important information regarding the 2020 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show". Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. 14 March 2020. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
- "Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2020 will not go ahead". Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Archived from the original on 16 March 2020. Retrieved 14 March 2020.
- "Melbourne International Jazz Festival is throwing a free one-day concert this weekend". Beat Magazine. 20 July 2020. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- "MFWF Coronavirus Statement". Melbourne Food and Wine Festival. Retrieved 26 July 2020.
- "2020 Royal Melbourne Show Cancelled Due To COVID-19". 29 April 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
- "Royal Geelong Show cancelled amid coronavirus concerns". Herald Sun. 6 July 2020. Retrieved 10 August 2020.
Further reading
- Press Conference by the Prime Minister of Australia on 27 February 2020 Transcript of the Press Conference held on 27 February 2020 by The Hon Scott Morrison MP, the Prime Minister of Australia, from Australian Parliament House alongside Dr Paul Kelly, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and The Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister For Health, announcing the activation of the Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
- Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) The Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (the COVID-19 Plan) guides the Australian health sector response.
External links
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to COVID-19 pandemic in Australia. |
- Coronavirus (COVID-19) health alert by the Australian Government Department of Health
- Q&A on coronaviruses (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) situation reports by the World Health Organization (official numbers of confirmed cases by country)
- Map of global confirmed coronavirus COVID-19 cases and historical data in near real-time by the Johns Hopkins University
- COVID-19 Epidemiologic and genetic data from the Wolfram data repository.
- 2019-nCoV Data Portal by Virus Pathogen Resource
- Coronavirus Australia updates and news. Australia at the Coronavirus Global international portal. Available in 11 languages.
- Coronatracker – Coronavirus news aggregator and tracking portal
- CoVid-19 Updates – AUS – Near real time coronavirus tracker for different states and territories in Australia
- COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic – Near real time coronavirus statistics for the world and Australia
- COVID Live – Statistics tracking of the number of coronavirus cases, tests and deaths in Australia
