SYDNEY: Australia will have a COVID-19 safe economy up and running by July, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday , as his government seeks to get 1 million unemployed people working again.
Australia is on Friday expected to announce a loosening of social distancing restrictions with curbs on most businesses removed by July."We need people back at work. We need the businesses open again," Morrison told Sydney's 2GB Radio.Morrison spoke after the country's national cabinet issued a statement late on Tuesday that said Australia is aiming for a"sustainable COVID-19 safe economy in July 2020".
Although the measures have successfully prevented local hospitals being swamped by coronavirus patients, it has taken a devastating toll on the economy, which is on course for its first recession in 30 years. The resumption of business might also coincide with the opening of the borders between Australia and New Zealand, in what has been dubbed a trans-Tasman bubble, given both countries have significantly reduced infection levels and rates.New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Tuesday joined Australia's national cabinet meeting to discuss the potential joint opening, but both governments have said it would take a while to work through.