Coronavirus crisis - complete list of what is shutting down from today
Stage one affective from 12pm today
From midday today stage one coronavirus crisis shutdowns are implemented.
The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison, said the federal, state and territory governments will impose tough new social distancing measures.
Across the country from midday today, pubs, clubs, gyms, places of worship, cinemas will be closed.
Cafes and restaurants will be open for takeaway services only.
Shopping centres will remain open.
Stage one closures as of midday today:
*Cafes and restaurants - take away and home delivery services only
*Cinemas and entertainment venues
*Gyms and indoor sporting venues
*Places of worship and religious gatherings
*Funerals - restricted to small groups
*Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation)
*Casinos
*Nightclubs
Scott Morrison
Hundreds of thousands of people across the country forced to stop work.
"I am deeply regretful that those workers and those business owners who will be impacted by this decision will suffer the economic hardship that undoubtably they will now have to face," Scott Morrison said.
"That is a very, very regretful decision. But a necessary one in the view of the premiers and chief ministers and myself to ensure that we can control the spread of this virus.
"This should highlight to all Australians how serious this is and how hard we all have to work together to get this right."
Michelle Connolly has worked as a photo director, social media manager and photo editor at some of Australia's biggest media companies, including New Idea. She is now editor of Practical Parenting and loving mum-of-two.
