And then there were two: PM announces strict new guidelines

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has just announced new restrictions for gatherings in public places, with the previous limit of 10 being reduced to just two.

Employment, education, weddings and funerals are among the gatherings to be exempt from that advice, with weddings and funerals still restricted to five and 10 persons respectively.

The Prime Minister said that public playgrounds, outside gyms and skateparks would be closed from tomorrow and bootcamps would be reduced to two – the trainer and the person being trained.

He also gave strong advice for self-isolation at home to the maximum extent practicable for Australians over 70 years of age or over 60 years of age who have existing health conditions or comorbidities, and for indigenous Australians over the age of 50 who have existing health conditions or comorbidities.

“Tonight the National Cabinet met to consider a series of issues and they related firstly to the issue of public gatherings,” the Prime Minister said.

“You’d be aware of the arrangements that are already in place, that gatherings are currently restricted to 10 persons except for members of your household and for the purposes of employment and education.

“I stress that that 10-person limit is enforceable now in most states and territories and can carry very significant on the spot fines.

“That advice has now been strengthened to say that it should be reduced to two persons in public spaces and other areas of gathering.

“States and territories will determine whether they proceed to make this an enforceable limit in the same way that the 10-person limit is already being enforced.

“But agreed that in all cases this is the strong advice of all states and territories that unless it’s your household, family, those who are living at your residence, that being with only one other person outside is what is required.”

The Prime Minister reinforced that individuals should stay home except where necessary.

Individuals must remain at home with the exception of several reasons including shopping for necessities, for medical care of compassionate needs, to exercise, or for work and education if the individual cannot work or learn remotely.

See tonight’s full press conference below.