Qantas and Jetstar will suspend all international flights from late March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The announcement comes soon after Australia announced unprecedented advice telling people not to travel overseas at all while also urging Australians living abroad to come home now if they wish to return to the country.
According to a statement from Qantas, two thirds of their 30,000 employees will be temporarily stood down and there will also be a 60 per cent reduction in domestic flights, with more than 150 aircraft temporarily grounded.
Across the states and territories various measures have been put in place.
Agriculture Minister David Littleproud has urged shoppers to calm down, insisting there is no risk to Australia's food security because of coronavirus.
The comments come as the government announced discussions were taking place about relaxing night truck curfews with local councils to allow more deliveries to supermarkets.
The Nationals deputy leader told the ABC, Australia produces enough food for 75 million people and has urged people panic buying to take a cold shower.
Health authorities are encouraging people to exercise "social distancing" measures, including standing 1.5 metres away from others and sitting in the back of taxis.
- If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor, don’t visit, or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
