Coronavirus: Scott Morrison's emotional interview moment
Prime Minister Scott Morrison appeared to be fighting back tears during an interview on Sky News about how the coronavirus restrictions have altered the lives of Australians.
Speaking with Sky News’ Paul Murray, Mr Morrison touched on a number of coronavirus related issues, from his chat with US President Donald Trump, the World Health Organisation and introducing his daughters to Star Wars in isolation.
When asked what he was most looking forward to – the NRL coming back or a full parliament question time, the PM spoke of a day when “we can all go back to that sort of thing”.
“There have been so many hard things,” he said.
“Young people, young kids who can’t see their grandparents and vice versa.
“The one that really tears me up is how many people have had to deal with loved ones who’ve passed away and go through funerals with so few people there.”
Previously, the government advised people aged over 70 should isolate for their own protection, as should people with a chronic illness over the age of 60 and Indigenous persons over the age of 50.
While social interactions are limited to two people, funerals are exempt from that with restrictions allowing funeral services to have 10 people in attendance.
“That is just ... that’s just horrible,” Mr Morrison said, who became visibly emotional before turning his attention towards the positive.
“Lets look forward to the good days, mate,” he said.
“They’re going to come ... We’re already on the way back.”
Earlier in the interview, Mr Morrison was asked what restriction he was most keen to see lifted, to which he said he was eager to see kids back at school, something he says Australia is making a lot of progress towards.
“It was great to make the announcement yesterday that we’re opening up elective surgery again,” he added.
Earlier this week it was announced 25 per cent of elective surgeries could be done at private and public hospitals – including category two procedures in the private sector and some category three procedures.
"This is an important decision because it marks another step on the way back. There is a road back. There is a road ahead and the decisions that the National Cabinet has taken today is evidence of that,” the PM said on Tuesday.
On Sky News, Mr Morrison said Australia had already reached a “turning point” and “more things” would be rolled out in the coming weeks and months.
“We’re already on the way back.”
States across Australia are continuing to report less cases every day, with some 6,600 cases of COVID-19 diagnosed in Australia to date.
Mr Morrison said Australia got to “where we are quicker than we thought we would” and he said he was hopeful Australia could get to where we “want” to be quicker than initially estimated.
However, despite evidence pointing to Australia “flattening the curve, Mr Morrison said the government was handling the situation “day by day” and warned of what could happen if we become impatient.
“Impatience on these things could lead to an even worse situation, which would mean you have to lockdown again,” he said.
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