Queen Elizabeth talks bushfires and coronavirus in phone call to Scott Morrison

The Queen has spoken to Prime Minister Scott Morrison about Australia's response to COVID-19 as well as the bushfire and drought recovery efforts.

A file photo of the Queen

The Queen has chatted with Prime Minister Scott Morrison about Australia's coronavirus response. (AAP)

The Queen has wished Australians well in dealing with coronavirus, bushfires and drought and is pleased to hear horse races are still going on in the country.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison says the monarch called on Tuesday night to check on Australians amid the coronavirus pandemic and lockdowns.

He says the 94-year-old also wanted to hear about the bushfire recovery and the ongoing drought.
Mr Pompeo pointed to Prime Minister Scott Morrison while launching the latest verbal salvo against China.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the Queen was checking in on how Australians were coping during the coronavirus crisis. Source: AAP
"Was very kind to receive Her Majesty's call this evening to check in and see how we're all getting on in Australia," Mr Morrison wrote on Instagram on Tuesday night.

"The Queen was very interested to hear about our progress in combating COVID-19 and was so pleased we have managed to prevent the terrible impacts.

"Our recovery from the bushfires was also a key area of interest for her as well as the ongoing drought.
"Her Majesty was also pleased to hear our horse races were still running in Australia and sent her very best wishes to all Australians."
There have been 97 coronavirus deaths in Australia, while more than 5800 people have recovered from the disease.

The Queen called New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern last week to hear about her country's coronavirus efforts.

In the UK more than 32,000 have died - the highest official death toll from the new coronavirus in Europe.

People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.

Testing for coronavirus is now widely available across Australia. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. 

The federal government's coronavirus tracing app COVIDSafe is available for download from your phone's app store.

SBS is committed to informing Australia’s diverse communities about the latest COVID-19 developments. News and information is available in 63 languages at sbs.com.au/coronavirus.


Share
2 min read

Published

Updated



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world
Queen Elizabeth talks bushfires and coronavirus in phone call to Scott Morrison | SBS News