CLUBS, PUBS, HOUSE PARTIES COULD BE BANNED IN WAKE OF CORONAVIRUS CRISIS BUT SCHOOLS TO REMAIN OPEN.

Indoor gatherings of 100 people or more have been banned by the Federal Government in it’s attempt to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

The tough new restrictions will take an immediate effect and could last at least 6 months.

The latest measures have cast a cloud over plans for weddings, funerals and house parties and will majorly impact the way pubs and clubs conduct business.

The indoor restrictions do not apply to workplaces, public transport, supermarkets, shops, shopping malls, correctional facilities, youth justice centres or courts.

The Federal Government has also raised the travel alert to Level 4, effectively banning international travel .

Australians holidaying overseas have all been ordered to return home immediately.

School closures remain a topical issue, though the Prime Minister has said schools should remain open.

“I am telling you that, as a father, I’m happy for my kids to go to school. There is only one reason your kids shouldn’t be going to school and that is if they are unwell.”

“The health advice here, supported by all the premiers, all the chief ministers and my government is that schools should remain open,” he said.

Age care facilities must also abide by strict new measures to prevent a potential outbreak.

Children under the age of 16 will only be able to visit loved ones in aged care facilities in ‘end-of-life’ situations, outdoors and in groups of two.

Those who plan on visiting nursing homes must also have the seasonal flu shot.

The Prime Minister was scathing in his response to panic buying, which has been impacting nearly every supermarket in the country.

“Stop hoarding, I cant be more blunt about it,” said Mr Morrison.

“It’s been one of the most disappointing things I’ve seen in response to this crisis.”

“It’s not who we are. It’s not necessary, stop doing it.”

The National Cabinent, composed of chief medical officials from every state and territory, met late into last night to determine the tough new measures.

There are currently 454 cases of COVID-19 in Australia, 7 of which have been detected here in the Hunter Valley.

Last night, Hunter New England Health revealed two new cases of COVID-19.

A woman, aged in her 40s, who had recently returned from the United States tested positive to the disease.

She is isolating at home and is said to be doing well.

The second case is more worrying.

A woman, aged in her 60s, receiving care for a separate ailment at Manning Base Hospital also tested positve.

The source of her infection remains unclear.