Australia is shutting down non-essential services as coronavirus cases rise rapidly in the country.
Pubs, clubs, gyms, cinemas, and places of worship will be shut from midday today while restaurants and cafes will have to switch to takeaway only.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the restrictions after a national cabinet meeting.
The number of cases in Australia has risen sharply in recent days, reaching 1,315.
New South Wales (NSW), home to Sydney, is the worst-affected state with 533 confirmed cases. Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, has 296 cases, while Queensland has 259.
The new restrictions will see many businesses close but supermarkets, petrol stations, pharmacies and home delivery services will continue running.
Some states, including Victoria, have signalled that they want to close schools.
[Source: BBC]
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