Australia's top health adviser reveals the strict coronavirus lockdown measure that will 'absolutely' be the last to be lifted
- Chief medical officer Brendan Murphy said the travel ban the measure lifted last
- Australians will see no changes to international travel until at least July or August
- But restrictions on small gatherings of two could be increased in three weeks
- Large gatherings, deemed high risk, will remain in place for months to come
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison said borders would open first to New Zealand
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
Australia's Chief Medical Officer has revealed the country's international travel ban will be the last coronavirus restriction to be lifted.
Australians are set to remain grounded for months - although restrictions on the size of gatherings and retail shutdowns could be relaxed in coming weeks.
Brendan Murphy told a Senate inquiry into the federal government's coronavirus response re-opening the borders will 'absolutely' be the last measure to be eased, with no changes until at least July or August.
'The international situation at the moment is such that any relaxation of border measures would be very risky,' Mr Murphy said in Canberra on Thursday.
Brendan Murphy speaks at a senate inquiry into the federal government's coronavirus response at Canberra on Thursday
'We have just recommended to the national cabinet...that we continue the very restrictive bans on Australians essentially leaving the country unless there are exceptional circumstances. They are extraordinary measures but the international spread of this virus is huge.'
Professor Murphy said the most effective decisions to curb the spread of the virus were shutting the nation's borders and ensuring returning Australians were quarantined in hotels.
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With the curve now flattened, political leaders have began discussions on loosening restrictions.
But premiers in both Queensland and Victoria have warned social distancing measures will be here to stay for at least another three weeks.
It is understood leaders will first look at easing measures like the one limiting public gatherings to two people.
Limitations on large gatherings, considered to be high risk, will remain in place- including funerals, gyms, restaurants, bars and cafes.
Prof Murphy said all the experts advising him they believed schools were safe to resume and this was already the case in several states.
'We all believe that schools are a safe environment to open,’ he said, news.com.au reports.
Australians have been told they can expect to see no changes to the international travel ban for at least three to four months
Coronavirus restrictions on small gatherings could be eased in three weeks, allowing Australians to venture out in groups larger than two. Police are seen moving people along at Bondi Beach on April 21
'We are encouraging schools to reopen. The Northern Territory has not closed at all. WA is planning to reopen. We understand the anxiety of some parents and teachers.'
However, Mr Murphy also warned Australia is at permanent risk of a second wave of coronavirus cases.
He said authorities are keeping a close eye on Singapore, which initially tracked well but is now dealing with a surge in cases.
'They had a very similar approach to us but they've now had a second wave in their migrant worker population,' Professor Murphy said on Thursday.
'We have to be very, very aware that whilst we've only had seven cases over the last 24 hours, we're in a wonderful position, but there is a permanent risk of further waves.
'This is a highly infectious virus and it can take off fairly quickly.'
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said when border closures are relaxed, travel to New Zealand was likely to reopen before other nations.
Some restrictions have already been lifted as Bondi Beach reopened for exercise purposes earlier this week. A police officer is seen making sure a beach goer abides by safety rules at Bondi on Wednesday
'If there is any country in the world with whom we can reconnect with first, undoubtedly that's New Zealand,' Mr Morrison said.
'We have similar trajectories. Their restrictions have been far greater. Our case response has, you know, been the same, if not better than New Zealand.'
After suggestions the two countries could be among the first to re-open normal border controls, Ms Ardern and Australian counterpart Scott Morrison discussed the issue this week.
However, Mr Morrison said although 'Ms Ardern shares that goal, she has consistently downplayed the possibility happening any time soon'.
On Thursday, a spokesman for Ms Ardern said no plans have been confirmed to resume regular travel across the ditch.
'Our current border restrictions and quarantine arrangements are the most important protections we have to stop the virus re-entering New Zealand and taking off again, so they will only be lifted when we are confident it is safe to do so,' her spokesperson said.
Jacinda Ardern (pictured) and Scott Morrison have discussed the option for borders to reopen between the neighbouring countries, but the move would not in motion be until later this year
'So while nothing is going to happen immediately, the idea has merit as something that might be possible down the track.'
The hearing also heard Professor Murphy was first made aware of the virus on January 1, when China gave an assurance it was animal to human transmission.
That changed about three weeks later.
'There was clear evidence coming from China that there was significant human to human transmission which was a game changer,' he said.
'Once you've got human to human transmission you've got a significant risk.'
Prof Murphy first briefed Health Minister Greg Hunt around January 19 and the national security committee of cabinet a few days later.
From next week the inquiry will hold hearings twice a week.
