Australia to cut number of citizens coming home as coronavirus cases rise: PM Morrison

SYDNEY:

Australia

will cut the number of citizens allowed to return from overseas each week by 50%, Prime Minister

Scott Morrison

said on Friday, amid a surge of

coronavirus cases

in the country's second largest state.


Australia has since March only allowed citizens and permanent residents to return, but Morrison said the number of people permitted to return will now be capped nationally.

Coronavirus: Live updates

Morrison said in recent weeks about 8,000 people have returned each week. From Monday, a maximum of 4,000 people will be allowed to return each week.