Australian PM Morrison outlines three-step plan to re-open country

Australian PM Scott Morrison has announced three-stage plan to re-open the country and ease the social distancing guidelines implemented to slow the spread of the coronavirus.

The country imposed strict social distancing restrictions in March, which, coupled with the closure of its borders, is credited with drastically slowing the number of COVID-19 cases.

Morrison said Australia's states and territories will decide when to begin implementing each stage, with treasury modelling indicating 850,000 jobs will be restored.

"We know we need to be careful to preserve our gains, if we wish to reclaim the ground we lost, we cannot be too timid,'' he said in a statement.

The Prime Minister stressed that stage one of the plan will not necessarily start immediately, with each state or territory needing time to prepare for restrictions to be lifted.

As per stage one, local and regional travel and gatherings up to 10 people will be allowed and schools will be re-opened.

Gyms, pools and boot camps will be able to resume services.

The second stage will allow for gatherings of up to 20 people, including cinemas and galleries, organised community sports and beauty parlours.

The third stage will permit gatherings of 100 people, with most people back in the workplace. Interstate travel is likely to resume by this time, with pubs and clubs open with social distancing restrictions.