AUSTRALIA: THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

Australians woke up to news this morning that coronavirus outbreak has officially been declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organisation. It comes as the cases of the COVID-19 virus exceed 118,000 worldwide, with more than 4,200 deaths. In Australia there are more than 100 confirmed cases of the virus, and there have been three deaths. The country joins a worldwide shift to ramp up preventative measures, with the Federal government launching a stimulus package valued at $17.6 billion dollars. Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the plan will prevent the economy entering a recession, with apprentices, businesses and pensioners the central focus. The Australian government has extended its coronavirus travel ban to Italy, strengthening its response to the coronavirus outbreak. The Prime Minister launched a $2.4 billion response to the health risks posed by the virus, with new clinics and telehealth services to be set up...