To help combat the increasing spread of the coronavirus, countries - such as Italy and Spain - have imposed a nation-wide lockdown. As part of this, locals have been urged to stay home, all non-essential shops have been shut and schools have been closed.
In comparison, the Australian government has imposed two main restrictions in relation to the coronavirus: The banning of gatherings with over 500 people and overseas travellers being forced to self-isolate for 14 days once they land in Australia - both of which come into effect today.
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The government has also encouraged Australians to practice "social distancing" - keeping 1.5 metres away from other people - and "elbow bumps" as a way to greet people.
This morning, PM Scott Morrison responded to an enquiry from ABC Radio's AM presenter Sabra Lane, suggesting a total lockdown was not in the best interest of the public.
He explained that it could place further strain on the public health system, as the closure of schools would require many healthcare workers to stay at home and look after their kids.
And that "it's not the medical advice of the state health officers and the Chief Medical Officer" that Australia should be in a lockdown at this point in time.
