3.30PM: Organised non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people shouldn't continue after Monday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced.
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Australians have also been advised to reconsider all international travel due to COVID-19.
The announcement doesn't include schools, universities, public transport or airports, Mr Morrison said in Sydney.
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After a meeting of the Council of Australian Governments heard from Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy, Reserve Bank Governor Phil Lowe and Treasury Secretary Steven Kennedy, the leaders made the decision to slow the spread of COVID-19 across the country.
A national cabinet, including the Prime Minister, premiers and chief ministers will also meet weekly to react to the public health crisis.
"There was growing evidence, as we were receiving, particularly over the course of the day, of greater community transmission of the coronavirus throughout Australia," Mr Morrison said.
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2.30PM: All public events with more than 500 people in attendance should be cancelled, advice given to federal, state and territory governments says.
Federal, state and territory leaders met with health authorities across the country on Friday morning, as the Melbourne Grand Prix and other events were cancelled due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Chief Medical Officer Brendan Murphy and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee gave the advice to the Council of Australian Governments meeting in Sydney.
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The leaders will announce their decisions on Friday afternoon.
There had been calls to cancel the opening round of the NRL season this weekend as well as other events, as part of measures to stem the spread of the disease.
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12.30PM: Rock festival Under The Southern Stars has been postponed due to health concerns associated with COVID-19.
LIVE, Bush, Stone Temple Pilots were scheduled to perform at the Yarrawonga Showgrounds on April 12 with support from Rose Tattoo and Electric Mary.
Concert promoter Andrew McManus had this to say in a statement this morning:
"Producing Under The Southern Stars music festivals each summer is a privilege and our fans and patrons have become part of the family. In light of the current global health crisis, we feel that it is imperative to protect the Under The Southern Stars family and proceed in a clear and calm manner.
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"We have been closely monitoring the situation as it has developed and following directives from the Chief Medical Officer of the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC). With the increase of travel bans and lock downs, in an effort to stop transmission of the virus which poses such a considerable threat to world health, and with the safety of our patrons, artists, staff and crew in mind we have no alternative than to postpone out April 2020 festival tour dates.
"We've been in consultation with all UTSS2020 artists in regard to their touring schedules and we plan to announce revised festival dates for Under The Southern Stars, next week. It is expected that our festival will be postponed until February/March 2020.
"All tickets already purchased will be valid for the new festival dates in 2021.
"Go in rock and stay healthy."
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11.30AM: Albury Wodonga Health has reported a screening clinic set up for coronavirus has not detected a positive case.
The body which oversees Albury and Wodonga public hospitals made the announcement in a statement on Friday morning.
Albury Wodonga Health director pandemic response Sally Squire said the clinic at Wodonga was testing patients, but could not say how many had been through the process.
"We are asking the community to continue to work with us to facilitate the containment of this virus," Ms Squire said.
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"That means anyone with cold or flu type symptoms or concerns about exposure to coronavirus should ring Albury Wodonga Health on (02) 6058 4444 or their GP first to determine if they need to be tested.
"They will then receive appointment details to attend the clinic.
"Unless you are critically unwell you should not attend either the Albury or Wodonga emergency departments without calling first.
"The system now in place aims to safely test individuals while ensuring the safety of our existing patients, staff and the community.
Ms Squire said those who had been tested needed to follow medical advice and remain in self-isolation until their test result is returned.
"We still expect that most patients who may return a positive result will have relatively minor symptoms and be able to self-isolate at home." she said.
"However for those needing inpatient care, we have suitable facilities in place for them that ensures the protection of other patients and staff."
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