Australia announces stricter isolation rules as COVID-19 cases reach over 3,300

0 Comment(s)Print E-mail Xinhua, March 28, 2020
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The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia has increased by more than 200 overnight.

According to the latest data from the Department of Health, there were 3,378 cases as of Saturday morning - an increase of 212 from 3,166 on Friday afternoon.

New South Wales (NSW) has 1,617 confirmed cases of the virus so far before any other state or territory reaches 1,000.

With the number of cases nationwide continuing to grow by approximately 20 percent every day, governments across the country are introducing stricter measures to slow the spread.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday that from Sunday the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will begin assisting state and territory governments in undertaking quarantine compliance checks of those who are required to be in mandatory isolation after returning from overseas.

"As soon as possible, but no later than 11:59pm Saturday 28 March 2020, all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel)," said a statement from the prime minister on Friday.

South Australia Police on Friday night announced a ban on gatherings of more than 10 people.

Following on from that announcement, Premier Steven Marshall on Saturday morning announced fines of up to 5,000 Australian dollars (3,082 U.S. dollars) for businesses and 1,000 AUD (616.5 USD) for individuals caught "flouting" the rules.

"We are only as strong as our weakest link," he said.

"Everyone needs to understand that from today failure to follow the directions to the letter of the law will leave individuals and businesses liable for significant on-the-spot fines.

"SA Police have established a new team dedicated to enforcing quarantine rules, social distancing restrictions and business closure rules, and will be knocking on the doors of individuals and businesses to ensure pandemic restrictions are being adhered to." 

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