Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt is not ruling out locking down coronavirus hotspots as state and territory leaders prepare to ramp up Australia's response to the pandemic.
Mr Hunt said stage two of the coronavirus national lockdown will be discussed at a national cabinet meeting on Tuesday night.
"We have always indicated as the prime minister said and the national cabinet said, this was stage one," he said.
"It is not the last stage. I think I should be very upfront and honest about that.
"Right as we speak, those next stages are being designed and the timing and the implementation measures for it are being carefully considered," he said.
On Sunday night, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the closure of pubs, clubs, entertainment venues, indoor sporting venues and places of worship from midday on Monday.
Restaurants and cafes are now restricted to serving takeaway.
But a day after these restrictions came into effect, Minister Hunt flagged harsher social distancing measures, after reports that some households have been hosting gatherings in breach of the distancing requirements.
"These ideas that some have had of house parties - they're out," he said.
"They are out. Let me be absolutely clear on that."
He said the government is working on improving the delivery of information to citizens with direct text messages imminent.
Britain has introduced a strict nationwide lockdown to be enforced by police for at least the next three weeks.
Britons are being told to stay at home and to only leave their residence to buy food or medication. Exercise is to be done alone and limited to once a day. A ban has also been imposed on gatherings of more than two people.
Mr Hunt said the Federal Government is monitoring the actions of governments abroad, but said decisions on tightening social distancing measures would need to be developed in consultation with health advisors and state leaders.
"We recognise and appreciate what has happened in other parts of the world. Indeed, all of us are learning from each other.
"But obviously, this notion of greater isolation, more time at home, less time out in groups, is what we are encouraging."
Rental relief for tenants
Rental relief will also be discussed at the cabinet meeting tonight.
During the teleconference, Prime Minister Scott Morrison will be seeking to develop model rules for landlords and tenants.
An announcement on Wednesday morning is expected to detail the protection for families and businesses who fall into economic hardship over the next six months as a result of the coronavirus fallout.
The federal opposition says it is a critical issue, and they have asked for a moratorium on evictions, penalty-free periods to pay utility bills, and more flexible options to pay rent over time.
"This could be a smart way to transfer the mortgage flexibility given to landlords by banks, to the tenants who live in these dwellings," Labor frontbencher Jason Clare said in a statement.
The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia has surpassed 2,000. Eight Australians have died from the virus.
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.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
