PM Scott Morrison addresses nation on coronavirus health and economic plan

Scott Morrison has addressed the nation to ease growing fears of the coronavirus pandemic, the first time a prime minister has made such an appearance since Kevin Rudd spoke during the Global Financial Crisis.

The PM spoke of a three-part plan for Australia to guide us through what is shaping up to be the worst health crisis since the Spanish Flu.

"Rest assured, we are taking action and we have a clear plan," Mr Morrison said.

"The months ahead have many challenges but we will respond to them.

"We'll get through this together Australia. We all have a role to play."

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The plan aligns with three pillars; health, jobs, and recovery.

Mr Morrison said travel bans already in place will help protect citizens from coronavirus.

A $2.4 billion national health response plan will include more than 100 pop-up clinics, support for aged care, public hospitals and increase our medical stockpile (medicine and masks).

The economic stimulus plan is worth $17.6 billion and includes one-off payments to large groups of those in need.

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Mr Morrison said a focus on recovery after the virus runs its course will involve propping up tourism and bringing the budget back into balance to

The PM said his government's measures will "set Australia up to bounce back stronger when the crisis is over".

Coronavirus in Australia

Of the 128 cases, 24 have been cleared while Prime Minister Scott Morrison says "almost half are close to clearing the virus".

Three people, aged 95, 82 and 78, have died.

The government has laid out a $22.9 billion economic stimulus package to prevent Australia entering a recession.

It includes giving welfare recipients and pensioners a one-off $750 cash payment.

Employers will get wage subsidies to keep 117,000 apprentices employed, with businesses earning up to $50 million per year to receive cash boosts of up to $25,000.

The instant asset write off will also be expanded from $30,000 to $150,000, with the government hoping for it to go towards cars, trucks and even tools.

Many of Australia's biggest private employers including Woolworths, Telstra and Commonwealth Bank have agreed to pay casual workers who need to isolate themselves or look after loved ones.

Reported with AAP