On Wednesday, the Australian government strictly prohibited cultural activities across the country due to the continued growth of COVID-19.

The ban requires shutting down art galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural institutions. A series of national cultural organizations, including National Gallery of Australia, National Museum of Australia and National Library of Australia, were asked to temporarily close and only provide online services.

Since March 16, unnecessary gatherings of more than 500 people have been prohibited by the Australian government. And many cultural events have been cancelled as the ban extended to meetings with more than 100 participants after two days.