The federal budget delayed until October; prominent Australian economists say the hit to the economy from the coronavirus will be long-lasting and deep; and with even stricter social distancing laws set to come into effect, life as we know it is changing hour by hour, minute by minute.

FRI 20 MAR - Restrictions tighten across Australia

Pubs and cafés, aged care homes, Indigenous communities and families planning for the school holidays will all be affected by the latest announcements after today's meeting of the Coronavirus National Cabinet.

Coronavirus: further social restrictions imposed across Australia

The implications of new social distancing rules are likely to have devastating effects on bars and restaurants. Under new instructions from a meeting of Cabinet, enclosed venues will only be allowed to admit one person for every four square metres.

New social distancing rules to hit bars, restaurants

From this evening only Australian residents and citizens will be allowed to enter the country from overseas, as coronavirus curbs come into force.

Travellers hurry home as curbs come into force

Australia is bracing itself for an almighty economic shock, which is already gathering momentum. Some economists have told PM that the nation will experience a 'severe recession'. What will that mean for households and businesses?

Leading economists forecasting 'severe' economic recession

The New Zealand Government has provided a two-year, $900 million loan to Air New Zealand, as Qantas and Virgin face a tailspin. What realistically can be done to enable vital air carriers to come back after the crisis? Garry Weaven, a key architect of Australia's superannuation system, speaks with PM.

Could Australia's airlines be nationalised?

As more and more people lose jobs or have income slashed because of this pandemic, how are those Australians going to pay the rent? Political leaders have agreed to work on ways to stop tenants being forced out of their homes in this crisis.

Renters fear impact of job losses; help promised by Prime Minister

Exactly a month ago today Australians stranded on the Diamond Princess were evacuated to Darwin. They're back in their own homes now, but life as they know it has dramatically changed.

Diamond Princess passenger's dramatic change of life amid COVID-19

Non residents are banned from arriving in Australia from tomorrow night, while Tasmania will quarantine anyone from interstate. Also, jobs are being lost everywhere, so if we're suddenly unemployed, will we find the help we need from the Australian welfare system?

THU 19 MAR - Australia sealed off to foreigners

In a dramatic increase in border controls, the Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that from tomorrow evening all foreigners will be barred from entering Australia in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.

All foreigners locked out of Australia from tomorrow

Professor of economics and public policy at the University of Michigan tells PM the coronavirus economic crisis will require a bit of proverbial time travel.

Social safety net 'isn’t built for dealing with pandemics'

Infectious diseases expert Dr Meru Sheel says family dinners are probably okay, but the general advice is to minimise any large gatherings to reduce the risk of the infection being spread.

Can you host a dinner party? Coronavirus questions answered

As an unemployment crisis looms, questions are being asked about how Centrelink is going to handle a surge in applications for the unemployment allowance.

Centrelink prepares for a surge as job losses mount

Australian life will be radically different is the message, as the coronavirus prompts new bans on large gatherings; And the Prime Minister lashes people who've bought more than their fair share from supermarkets.

WED 18 MAR - New measures to curb coronavirus spread

Another 57 new cases of COVID-19 have been diagnosed in New South Wales alone, with over 520 nationally this evening. The newest measures are designed to give medical authorities valuable breathing room to prepare for a further climb in numbers.

Major new steps to try to slow down spread of coronavirus

ABC radio news and current affairs afternoon program reporting on Australia and the world.

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