Coronavirus Australia: Economists Warn Against Easing Of Restrictions, Opening Economy
Australian economists are warning the government that prematurely easing social distancing measures may lead to a surge in COVID-19 cases even as the country has seen the slowest rise in infections in weeks.
Australia has successfully slowed the spread of the novel coronavirus in the country. As of April 20, 2020 9:58 GMT (7:58 p.m. Sydney time), there are 6,619 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 71 deaths in the country, according to data from Worldometer. There were only 26 new cases from April 18 to 19, and one death.
These figures do not compare to how the pandemic has swept the United States -- the worst affected by the crisis. The U.S. now has 764,000 confirmed cases of the virus and more than 40,500 deaths — both the highest in the world.
Australia's success in curbing the coronavirus can be attributed to the quick and expansive restrictions imposed by the government, including closing boarders to international and domestic travel as well as social distancing. This has led to talks that the government may slowly ease these measures and open the economy.
The restrictive measures have a big effect on the economy. According to Reuters, it is expected to push unemployment to a 16-year high of 10%.
Despite this, 157 economists from top Australian universities warn easing measures can worsen the health crisis and lead to further economic problems in the future. The group issued an open letter to the government asking it prioritize containing the virus.
“We cannot have a functioning economy unless we first comprehensively address the public health crisis,” the economists wrote.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison, however, clarified that there will be no easing of restrictions any time soon. State premiers also believe social distancing should continue.
“We’ve all made massive sacrifices, given a lot. We can’t give back all the gains made because of sense of frustration gets the better of us,” Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said.
