Scott Morrison says 80 per cent of Australia's confirmed COVID-19 cases have been imported. Photo: Gabriel Oliveira
19/03/2020 - 15:35
Health Minister Roger Cook has confirmed Western Australia has moved into the community transmission phase of the coronavirus.
WA experienced its biggest one-day jump as the amount of confirmed COVID-19 cases rose by 17 to hit 52.
New cases include four travellers, two are healthcare workers and the remaining cases are from unknown sources.
Mr Cook said the state government: "always knew this would happen and we are prepared."
Regional WA also recorded its first case, with a patient in the South West testing positive overnight.
Mr Cook also announced a call centre for Western Australian healthcare workers. Staff members can dial a dedicated number for COVID-19 screening and testing by trained nurses, before being referred to one of three specialised clinics in Perth.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has imposed a travel ban on all non-residents, effective Friday 9pm. Only citizens, residents and their direct family members will be allowed to enter the country. Mr Morrison said those returning from overseas would still have to self-isolate for 14 days. He said 80 per cent of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia were contracted overseas.
Australia’s confirmed COVID-19 cases has reached 514. One person has died in WA, one person in Queensland and four people in NSW. More than 7,900 people have tested negative to COVID-19.
Italy’s death toll as a result of COVID-19 has reached nearly 3,000. The country reported 475 deaths yesterday.
The Reserve Bank of Australia has reduced the cash rate to a record low 0.25 per cent. RBA governor Philip Lowe said the coronavirus has had a major impact on the economy and financial system. The bank will start buying government bonds.
The federal government has imposed buying restrictions on some prescription medicines, including children’s-only paracetamol and Ventolin inhalers. Pharmacists are also being told to dispense only one-month supplies for some prescription medicines.
Qantas has grounded 20,000 staff and has cut all international flights until the end of May. The airline will delay its $201 million interim payout. The decisions follow Virgin Australia’s announcement yesterday that it would suspend all international travel.
