Australian government is starting lockdown measures as coronavirus spread accelerates in the country. Non-essential services, including indoor sporting venues, pubs, cinemas, bars and places of worship will be closed from midday Monday. A total of 1642 confirmed cases are reported in the country now, with 669 in New South Wales, 355 in Victoria and 319 in Queensland, 140 in Western Australia, and 100 in Southern Australia. Death tolls remain low at 7.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned this is the “toughest year of our lives” and the lock down could last six months. Several Australian states have take even stronger measures. Western Australia and South Australia announcing tighter border restrictions at the weekend. Victoria closes all schools starts from Tuesday.
Separately, the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), banking watchdog, said banks must account for possible loss form loan repayment holidays they offered to those affected by the coronavirus outbreak. And, banks must publicly disclose the volume of such loans. Last week, banks announced coronavirus support packages that provide borrowers with an option to defer repayment for up to six months. These packages target mainly small businesses and home loan customers affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
