'Countries may fall into chaos' amid coronavirus pandemic: PM

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says during these "unprecedented times" countries themselves could "fall into chaos" under the worst circumstances as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread worldwide.

On Monday, Mr Morrison revealed his government will pay employers to keep on their staff to avoid a mass exodus from the workforce that could see more than six million Australians out of work over a six month period.

He said Australian workers will be able to access a guaranteed paycheck of $1500 a fortnight as the federal government steps in to foot what will become a $130 billion bill.

“We are living in unprecedented times. With the twin battles that we face and that we fight against a virus and against the economic ruin that it can threaten. This calls for unprecedented action. Governments making decisions like they never have before," Mr Morrison said.

"Many countries in the months ahead, and perhaps beyond that may well see their economies collapse ... in the very worst of circumstances we could see counties themselves fall into chaos".

“Now is the time to dig deep,” he said.

"Our actions must be well considered, they must be well tempered and targeted ... they must be effective, they must be clear in their purpose and they must be efficient in their execution".

Image: Getty

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