Australian Chinese MP says don't panic

Federal Parliament's first Chinese-born MP has told Australians not to be scared of Chinese businesses and restaurants as iconic venues in Melbourne and Sydney get pummelled by unsubstantiated coronavirus fears.

Gladys Liu said social media has fuelled misinformation in the Chinese-Australian community, conflating the spread of the coronavirus in China with Australia, causing many to stay home while there was no threat to their wellbeing.