Labor would support the government granting Newstart payments for coronavirus-affected casual workers, its health spokesman says.
Chris Bowen said the party would support any sensible steps the government put forward to help casual workers.
"That's one option that would work but I'm not going to be prescriptive and say it's the only option," he told ABC's Insiders on Sunday.
Mr Bowen said a lift to the welfare payment could be considered as part of a fiscal stimulus package to help the economy recover from the outbreak.
He also repeated calls for the government to subsidise tele-conferencing with doctors to help them identify coronavirus cases.
"It's important that we keep this in perspective, that the nation goes about its business and we don't have panic buying and we don't have unnecessary self-quarantining," Mr Bowen said.
Mr Bowen and Labor leader Anthony Albanese have written to the government seeking assurances on a list of issues surrounding COVID-19.
These include whether enhanced screening for incoming travellers from additional countries has been considered, while seeking greater clarity on departure options for Australian citizens and permanent residents in areas under lockdown in China.
The letter also asks whether the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is considering upgrading travel advice for countries that have been identified as posing high or moderate risks and using powers under the Biosecurity Act in relation to any individuals who fail to self-isolate.
In the letter written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Health Minister Greg Hunt, Labor asks whether the government has considered a national awareness campaign on the risks of COVID-19 and how they can be mitigated.
"Labor acknowledges the complexity of the coronavirus outbreak," Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese and his health spokesman Chris Bowen say in the letter.
"We do not underestimate the task of ensuring the health of all Australians in the face of this challenge."
