Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the government will use two ways to deliver coronavirus information: through WhatsApp and an app in the Apple app store.
The Morrison government has partners with companies and social media platforms to provide Australians with timely and official health advice, and updates on the measures the Commonwealth and the states are taking to tackle the coronavirus crisis.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison says people can gain access to a new messaging service on WhatsApp by following the instructions on oz.gov.au/whatsapp.
Likewise, the Apple app store is now providing a coronavirus app that can be downloaded.
“That will assist you to get the accurate and timely information about what is being done by governments around the country to support you, as you and your family and your household and your community work through the difficult months ahead because of the coronavirus,” Morrison said on Sunday.
National Death Toll Rises to 16
Meanwhile, the national death toll has reached 16 following the deaths of two more people in Victoria and Queensland overnight, although Morrison said that due to Australians cooperating with social distancing measure, the rate of infection was showing signs of slowing.
A man aged in his 80s died of coronavirus in hospital in Victoria, while a 75-year-old woman died in Queensland after travelling on the Ruby Princess cruise ship that docked in Sydney.
Victoria and Queensland’s death tolls have now risen to four and two, respectively.
Announcing a new $1.1 billion health package to deal with the COVID-19 crisis, Morrison said a week ago the daily rate of virus infections had increased to 25 to 30 per cent.
In the past few days, it has slowed to about 13 to 15 per cent.
“They are still strong rates of increase, there’s no doubt about that,” the prime minister said.
“But as we take the measures that we have been taking and put them in place and we have the co-operation from the Australian people, then that obviously in turn that has an impact on how we are managing the spread of the virus,” he said.
Thousands Head to Hotel Quarantine
Thousands of people flying into Australia have also begun being shuttled to makeshift quarantine facilities as Australia turns to law and order to fight the virus.
With two-thirds of the country’s 3,635 cases either in or closely linked to overseas travellers, vacant hotels and other accommodation are being used to ensure no more travellers have a chance to spread the disease.
Returned travellers will see out their 14 days of quarantine in state-funded hotel rooms, with doors guarded by state police, defence personnel or private security guards.
In Sydney alone, 3,000 people were expected to land on Sunday.
“We will treat these people with absolute respect and dignity but we will need their support,” NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller said.
“The 14 days, I am sure, will be a challenge for them and perhaps the food is not up to standard or they feel that the bed is not as comfortable as their own.
“They need to understand that we are trying to protect the community of NSW.”
Deputy federal chief medical officer Paul Kelly said the compulsory quarantine was supported by the “very best” medical evidence.
“Realistically, a vaccine for the coronavirus is many months away. In the meantime, Australians can be reassured we are constantly monitoring COVID-19 developments—both domestically and abroad—and adapting what we do to minimise its spread,” Dr. Kelly said in an opinion piece released on Saturday.
By Colin Brinsden and AAP staff
