Chief Medical Officer Professor Brendan Murphy described these new measures as necessary but "radical".

However Professor Murphy stated that lower than predicted rates of infection may be "evidence that the public health measures that we are putting in place and the social distancing measures are likely to be having some early effect".

But what does this mean for you?

New restrictions mean that only two people can gather in public.

This does not apply to those who live together, such as families or housemates.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that it was up to the states to decide how it was enforced.

States and territories are starting to announce fines, and even potential jail terms for people who don't comply.

No. Weddings are still limited to five people (the couple, the celebrant and two witnesses). Funerals remain limited to 10 people although there can be room "at the margins" in special circumstances. These circumstances have not been detailed.

Not yet. The Prime Minister has strongly urged people to not leave their house unless they are buying essential supplies, Seeing their doctor, exercising or going to work or studying if they can't do that from home.

"It is not a time for browsing. It is not a time for catching up with friends or bumping into people and having a long conversation" Mr Morrison said.

However, this is not legally binding, such as the lock downs in Italy where people need police permission to leave their houses.

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People aged 70 and above, people with chronic illnesses aged 65 and above, and Indigenous Australians aged 50 and above are urged not to leave their house for their own safety.

"They can go outside and be accompanied by a support person for the purposes of getting some fresh air, some recreation, but they should limit contact with others as much as possible," Mr Morrison said.

Vulnerable people and their support networks are urged to organise home deliveries for food and supplies.

Outdoor fitness activities are limited to two people. This means that one-on-one personal training session can go ahead, but outdoor boot-camp activities with more than two people cannot.

Playgrounds, outdoor gyms and skate-parks are now closed.

Previously closed were: licensed clubs, pubs and hotels are closed, excluding for accommodation purposes. Indoor gyms, outdoor gyms and indoor sporting venues are also closed. Outside playgrounds and indoor play centres are closed. Beauty salons, cinemas are closed. Places of worship are closed except for weddings and funerals.

Supermarkets, groceries, and pharmacists remain open. Restaurants and cafes remain open for takeaway only. Hairdressers and barbers remain open, as do many other shops, however, some - such as Myer - have made their own decision to close.

The Prime Minister has established a moratorium on evictions for the next six months by states and territories on the basis of financial stress. This will affect both residential and commercial tenants.

In a press release Chief Minister Andrew Barr said "landlords are asked to work with any affected tenants to provide rent relief through temporary amendments to leases."

Mr Barr's statement said landlords would be supported by funding from both ACT and federal government tax revenue.

More information on the eviction moratorium is due to come later this week.

This package covers four areas: Medicare and telehealth, domestic violence support, mental health support and relief for vulnerable Australians.

Almost $700 million will be put towards expanding medicare subsided telehealth services. Telehealth aims to allow patients the ability to audio-call or facetime their GPs and health specialists- so that patients do not need to leave their homes for appointments. The bulk billing incentive for GPs will be doubled as an incentive to keep doctors open. These changes will be in place until September 30, 2020.

Domestic violence support services will receive $150 million. The money will cover counselling for families affected by or at risk of domestic violence, funding for 1800RESPECT, Mensline Australia, and the Trafficked people program. Additionally this package will fund support programs for women and children who experience violence to protect themselves in their home.

Mental health support services will get $74 million, including $10 million for a dedicated Coronavirus support line. Another $10 million will go towards a community visitors scheme to train staff who can connect with people in aged care over the phone. Another $14 million will go to established mental health services such as lifeline and Kids helpline and $28.3 million will go to maintain mental health support for those accessing commonwealth community mental health. This allows current commonwealth mental health patients 12 more months of assistance, allowing patients to complete applications for NDIS.

Charities and community organisations will get $200 million. The Community Support Package aims to provide funding for various issues. This includes:

The government has set up a whatsapp channel where people can access updates on the pandemic.

Additionally the federal government has created the "Coronavirus Australia" app for official updates. This is available to download on iOS and android phones.

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