If coronavirus spreads despite lockdowns, the economic hit would prove a 'big waste'

The Australian's Economics Editor Adam Creighton says if COVID-19 spreads around the country then the lockdowns, and the economic damage they caused, would be a 'big waste.' Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced on Thursday Australia's gross debt is forecast to hit $851.9 billion with this year’s budget deficit expected to reach $184.5 billion due to the novel coronavirus. Mr Creighton said he projected the federal debt will go beyond 1 trillion by 2022. “We are seeing further outbreaks around the world now – we’re seeing them in countries that have had lockdown, haven’t had lockdowns, it’s kind of irrelevant,” Mr Creighton told Sky News