The Republic Resumes blog site does well with reads, so I’ve posted the latest news and economic news about the Coronavirus. There are still jobs going in warehousing and transport supply chains, especially those delivering parcels. So polish your resume and start applying.
* A Federal government WhatsApp group and a coronavirus app have been set up to provide Australians with updates.
* Australians returning home from overseas will be quarantined for two weeks in hotels or other accommodation before being allowed home.
* People flouting social distancing, isolation or quarantine orders face fines of $1000 or more in most states.
* Around 350 Australian Defence Force personnel are supporting state and territory authorities to enforce quarantine compliance.
* Borders closed in Queensland, Tasmania, SA, NT and WA. Freight and essential travel excepted.
* Tasmania and SA has banned gatherings of more than 10 people.
* Australians, excluding aid workers and compassionate travel cases, are banned from international travel.
* Groups of more than two people in public are discouraged, unless members of the same households (e.g. families). States still have to enforce the new rule, from the current rule limiting groups to 10 people.
* People aged over 70 or 60-plus with chronic illness are discouraged from leaving their homes unless essential for medical care.
* Still open: supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, public transport, some schools, hairdressers, petrol stations, postal and freight services, bottle shops, newsagents, retail shops. Restaurants restricted to take-away/delivery in most states.
ECONOMICS
* Federal parliament has passed two packages worth $17.6 billion and $66 billion in response to the outbreak of the virus; states have also announced stimulus packages.
* Economists predict the unemployment rate will soar past 10 per cent by Easter.
* The Government is expected to announce a form of wage subsidy as soon as part of a third support package.
* The government has tightened foreign investment rules after the economic impact of the coronavirus caused the value of Australian businesses to fall.
* Moratorium on renters being evicted for the next six months. Commercial renters will see new rules in the coming days.
* Struggling regional airlines were promised $198 million and offered an additional $100 million if needed.
* Major retailers including Myer, Premier Investment, and fashion chains such as Country Road have closed retail shops, but continue to trade online.
* Supermarkets Woolworths and Coles are hiring thousands to meet demand.