PM bans public auctions, open house inspections in latest crackdown

“In the retail space, auction houses, gathering together in auctions room – that can no longer continue,” the PM said.

“Real estate auctions and open house inspections – that cannot continue.”

These bans are set to come into effect from midnight Wednesday, 25 March.

Other newly banned services include beauty therapy, tanning, waxing, nail salons and tattoo parlours. 

The PM also used the opportunity to encourage citizens to stay home “unless absolutely necessary”.

“Going out for the basics, going out for exercise, perhaps with your partner or family members, provided it’s a small group, that’s fine,” he said.

However, “going outside and going out and participating more broadly in the community” is not, the PM suggested before adding that the government wants Australians to “use their common sense” during this time.

“That means BBQs of lots of friends, or even family ... coming together to celebrate one-year-old birthday parties and those sorts of things, we can’t do those things right now,” Mr Morrison said.

More to come.