Australia Shutdown non-essential services from 12 noon Monday

Australia Shutdown  non-essential services from 12 noon Monday

A major crackdown on social gatherings will see the closure of most of indoor venues, including pubs, clubs, cinemas, sporting, entertainmnet and religious venues from midday tomorrow (Monday 23rd)  in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Non essential services will be closed from midday on Monday after the national cabinet which includes the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers, during a late Sunday evening meeting agreed to the drastic step in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

All states and territories agreed to shut  licensed sections of pubs and hotels, clubs, casinos, entertainment venues, indoor sporting venues and indoor places of worship. Restaurants and cafes will be restricted to takeaway services only.

"I am deeply regretful that those workers and those business owners, who will be impacted by this decision, will suffer the economic hardship that undoubtably they will now have to face," Mr Morrison said.

Scott Morrison says Australians' failure to follow social distancing led to the crackdown. He warns closures could be in place for six months

The PM also warned of harsher crackdowns if people fail to follow gathering rules. Supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies, convenience stores, freight and logistics, and home delivery will be among the many services that will remain open.

Schools in all three states will remain open on Monday, but in Victoria school holidays will be brought forward to start on Tuesday.