State-by-state: how Australia’s new coronavirus rules will affect you

Ian M. Mackay and Sanjaya Senanayake comment in The Conversation (23.3.20) on how recently introduced coronavirus regulations proscribe certain activities and allow others, sometimes differently from state to state.

'A suite of new measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19 have been announced by federal and state governments in the last 24 hours.

'We’ve collated the regulations in an infographic below - but it’s important to remember the situation is rapidly changing.

'The regulations clearly proscribe some activities but are silent on others. So we asked two infectious disease researchers to reflect on some common scenarios.

'They stressed the basics apply in any situation – wash your hands regularly with soap and water, practice good cough and sneeze etiquette, stay away from others if you’re unwell and try to reduce contact with others. Where contact is required, we should stay at least 1.5 metres apart from other people (one researcher, Ian M. Mackay said 2 metres would be better).

'However, there’s often no single correct answer. All we can do is make the best decision we can in line with the medical evidence, the directions from government, and our own abilities and priorities. Difficult choices lie ahead for all of us.'

Queensland imposes state border restrictions during coronavirus crisis

The ABC's Dominic Cansdale reports (24.3.20) on new measures and restrictions imposed by Queensland's government in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

'Another 78 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded in Queensland since Monday as travel restrictions are placed on the state's borders from midnight Wednesday.

'Queensland now has a total of 397 cases, most of which are located in the south-east corner.

'Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the state's border would only remain open to freight and essential travel after announcing the restrictions on border crossings.

'... Queensland state disaster coordinator Steve Gollschewski said compassion would be shown but police had the power to fine and restrict access.'