Flight Centre boss tears into Scott Morrison and says it's 'RIDICULOUS' to ban mass gatherings – after the CEO was forced to close 100 stores in the wake of coronavirus pandemic
- Flight Centre CEO Graham Turner slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison
- He said the decision to ban gatherings of 500 people or more was 'ridiculous'
- Travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
CEO Graham Turner labelled the ban on gatherings of 500 or more people as 'ridiculous'
The Flight Centre boss has slammed Prime Minister Scott Morrison's 'nonsensical' response to the killer coronavirus after the company was forced to close 100 stores.
CEO Graham Turner labelled Mr Morrison's travel ban and announcement to avoid gatherings of 500 or more to slow the spread of coronavirus as 'ridiculous'.
'Why is a gathering of 500 people okay, but 600 isn't?' he told Fairfax.
'It is so ridiculous it's hard to believe someone with a degree of intelligence came up with something like that.'
Flight Centre announced it will close 100 stores before June 30 that have been under-performing due to the downturn in the industry caused by coronavirus.
Flight Centre announced it will close 100 stores before June 30 following the coronavirus outbreak and travel bans
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The travel agency also withdrew its guidance on its full-year earnings as it is now too difficult to predict figures as COVID-19 cripples the tourism industry.
The company said it would look to transfer staff to other shops. The closure affects 11 per cent of their network.
In a statement this morning, the company explained the decision, saying: 'Demand is softening significantly and the timeframe for recovery is unclear.'
On Friday, Mr Morrison announced the government will effectively ban 'non essential' public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday - and has warned Australians not to travel overseas.
'We will be advising against organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday,' Mr Morrison said.
A travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
Mr Morrison said it is unclear whether the travel ban will be extended to other nations at this stage.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during a press conference announcing that mass gatherings of 500 people or more are cancelled from Monday
Spectators queue at the gate to gain entry ahead of the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2020. The event has since cancelled for the safety of competitors and spectators
But Mr Morrison stressed the government's ban only relates to 'non-essential organised gatherings' and doesn't include schools, university lectures or catching public transport.
He said people should go about their 'normal everyday business'. The move has been hailed by infectious diseases experts, who say it will be critical in slowing the virus's spread and help prevent overloading hospital intensive care units.
It means major venues, including the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall - which holds 2,000 - will have to consider closing.
Meanwhile, NRL games will likely be held without fans. Australia's cricket series against New Zealand has already banned spectators.
AFL confirmed on Friday afternoon they have made the decision to go ahead with games as scheduled without any spectators despite some players expressing reservations about playing to empty stadiums.
It comes as the number of cases across the nation soared to 200 - up more than a third in just 24 hours, according to health officials.
