Australia's Chief Medical Officer has walked back from his accusation that a group of healthcare workers linked to a hospital coronavirus outbreak in Tasmania attended an"illegal dinner party".
Scott Morrison says international modelling of the coronavirus has helped flatten Australia's curve but now is not the time to be complacent and undo all the hard work.
Many experts say a full-blown lockdown is desirable and more bearable for people than the protracted semi-shutdown we are experiencing now.
Pubs and clubs will be closed from midday on Monday after the national cabinet agreed to the drastic step in a bid to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
In an era where experts are everywhere,authorities are struggling to convince everybody that they are the ones to trust.
A senior,largely unrecognised,health bureaucrat has become the public face of the unprecedented threat facing the health of many Australians.
The medical and public health communities have rallied around Brendan Murphy amid criticism the official advice has been too timid,slow and badly communicated.
Scott Morrison says hoarding food and essential items is not sensible or necessary with no nationwide lockdown recommended,however,the Chief Medical Officer says social distancing is essential.
School students are not being put at risk by going to school according to the PM and Chief Medical Officer,but they haven't ruled out reassessing the issue at a later date.
The chief medical officer warned of extreme pressure on testing kit stock,which has already run out in some parts of the country.
"I know more about viruses than I care to know and I'm shaking hands with everyone,"the Prime Minister was heard to say.