“We Will Get Through This Together”: Scott Morrison Reassures In National Address On Coronavirus
"While this is a global health crisis, there are very real and significant economic impacts."
In a national cross-television network address, Scott Morrison has tonight reassured the nation about COVID-19, acknowledging public anxiety while stressing that the government has a plan to combat coronavirus.
In the three-minute address — the first of its kind in Australia since 2008, where Kevin Rudd addressed the GFC — Morrison stated that we know 140 people across Australia have contracted the virus.
While he acknowledged that Doctors advise that the virus’ symptoms are mild for those in good health, the more severe risks for “those Australians whose health is more vulnerable, especially the elderly” render the virus important, as does its highly-transmutable status.
Despite this, he did not follow suit of multiple countries in asking that large events (such as Sunday’s F1 race, expecting 100,000 spectators) not go forward.
Morrison also centred the economy repeatedly.
“While this is a global health crisis, there are very real and significant economic impacts,” he said. “For all of these reasons we have been taking the coronavirus very seriously.”
Morrison did not announce any new policies regarding coronavirus during the address, instead outlining what is already in place from the government and reassuring the public that “we will get through this together, Australia”.
“I want to reassure your family tonight that while Australia is not immune to this virus, we are well-prepared,” he said. “And we are well-equipped to deal with it.”
The Prime Minister outlined a 3-goal plan.
“Our plan has three goals. One, to protect Australians’ health. Two, secure Australians’ jobs and livelihoods. And three, set Australia up to bounce back stronger when the crisis is over.”
Morrison recapped today’s $17.6 billion dollar stimulus plan announcement, which includes $750 payments to citizens on government payments such as Newstart. It will also cover casual workers who contract COVID-19 or have to self-isolate, if they apply for Newstart while out of work.
“I know many Australians are anxious about this, and we still have a long way to go,” he said. “But be assured we are taking action.”
Morrison advised those who need more information visit health.gov.au or their GP.
“We’ll get through this together Australia. We all have a role to play. Employers, nurses, doctors, teachers, scientists, friends, family, neighbours. I know we’ll all do our bit.
Earlier today, the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 a pandemic, US President Trump banned travel entrance from most of Europe from non-US citizens, and Tom Hanks and Rita Wilson tested positive for COVID-19 while in Australia, with Hanks filming for Baz Luhrman’s upcoming Elvis film.
Watch the address below, via ABC News.