Pubs and restaurants are closing, states are locking off their borders, and Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned of "far more Draconian measures" to enforce social distancing as Australia tries to contain the coronavirus pandemic.
Australia has adopted measures being used in other parts of the world which health authorities say are key to reducing the spread of COVID-19, allowing health services to better manage those already infected.
Self-isolation is another tool being used to slow the spread of the virus - some have to do it for a mandatory 14 days, and others are choosing to do it.
What is self-isolation?
Australia is trying to prevent what's happened in other countries, like Italy, happening here, with hospitals being overwhelmed and unable to treat everyone needing care.
So it's asking those it applies to stay indoors for 14 days and have no close contact with anyone else to see if they develop the virus and avoid infecting anyone else in the meantime.
"This is about slowing the epidemic. It's not about stopping it completely. We will have more cases. What we're trying to do is have less [cases] and over a longer time,” said Australia's Deputy Chief Health Officer, Professor Paul Kelly
Who does self-isolation apply to?
Anyone who arrived in Australia from midnight on 15 March 2020, or think they may have been in close contact with someone who is confirmed to have COVID-19, are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
On arrival at an Australian airport, international travellers have been encouraged, where possible, to use personal transport to get home to minimise their contact with others.
Once at home or at their destination, the law requires people to stay there.
Self-isolation is compulsory for all overseas arrivals except pilots and cabin crew, who are asked to practise social distancing and personal hygiene.
What does self-isolation involve?
Brisbane GP Wendy Burton says self-isolation means no walking to the shops, the park or anywhere in public and refusing visitors or family gatherings.
Dr Burton says people can have food and other supplies delivered and should collect them only after the delivery person has left.
"You stay home. And people, you know, if you've ordered in, then please get them to drop it at the door and knock or ring, clean your doorbell first, and then you pick it up after they've gone - so stay at home,” she said.
What happens if people do not comply?
New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian hopes people will comply and if some people don't, she is encouraging others to inform the authorities.
"You can let the relevant authorities know and the police can actually turn up and force that person to stay home. So we do have that provision. We'll be enacting that but if you know that intentionally someone is doing the wrong thing, we hope it doesn't come to that,” she said.
“We only have to look overseas to see what's happened when people haven't been able to take advice or the advice hasn't been given at the right time and the consequences are horrific. This is life and death. Don't take chances. Don't take chances with your own health or the health of others,” Ms Berejiklian added.
A girl follows an online yoga class from her home. Source: Nicol Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images
What if I do get sick while in isolation?
Information from the Department of Health advises: "If you develop symptoms (fever, a cough, sore throat, tiredness or shortness of breath) within 14 days of returning to Australia, or within 14 days of last contact of a confirmed case, you should arrange to see your doctor for urgent assessment".
"You should telephone the health clinic or hospital before you arrive [and] remain isolated either in your home, hotel or a healthcare setting until public health authorities inform you it is safe for you to return to your usual activities."
What about contact with my family?
The Department of Health says if people have an outdoor space like a garden or courtyard within their property they can use it but people living in apartment buildings are asked to wear a mask while in any shared spaces.
The recommendations regarding wearing masks vary.
For people returning from overseas who feel well, the department says there's no need to wear surgical masks but for suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19, masks are part of the infection control recommendations. 
In shared households, the advice is to separate as much as possible by staying in a different room and using separate bathrooms if they're available.
A couple take part in a live virtual wine tasting from their home near Reno, Nevada. Source: AP
Surfaces like door handles, taps and benches should be cleaned on a daily basis.
Dr Burton says for people with children, self-isolating is going to be even more challenging and families will have to do the best they can under difficult circumstances.
She says for everyone forced to self-isolate, maintaining contact with others through virtual means will be an important way to maintain a sense of connectedness.
"Set up virtual communities. Check on each other. We've never had more options than what we do now with our smart-devices so do a Zoom meeting [video conference meeting]," she said.
"Don't let what you can't do stop you doing what you can."
More information on self-isolating can be found in the
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
