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Hundreds of emergency flights will send fresh produce to key export markets in a bid to help Australian farmers and fishers under economic pressure due to the coronavirus.

The Australian share market has opened two per cent higher as coronavirus-fuelled volatility continues.

Private hospitals join ranks to fight virus

Gold prices dipped over 2.0 per cent to their lowest level in a week as the US dollar firmed, but the metal was on track for a sixth straight quarterly rise on concerns about the global economic damage caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

Crude oil benchmarks ended a volatile quarter with their biggest losses in history, as both US and Brent futures were hammered throughout March on the global economic freeze due to the coronavirus pandemic and the eruption of a price war between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Concerns have been raised that eligibility criteria for Prime Minister Scott Morrison's $130 billion bailout plan for business is too restrictive and many businesses with spiralling revenue projections could miss out, and with Parliament in recess, first payments are unlikely to be available until May at the earliest.

The state government has announced new deregulated COVID-19 testing laws and a $1 billion economic health system stimulus package, while Health Minister Roger Cook revealed nine new coronavirus cases.

This is a big moment for capitalism in democracies, especially Australia, which sits somewhere between the genuine version of the US and virtual socialism across big parts of Europe.

The wild ride for the Australian share market has continued with a 330-point swing that turned its early strong gains into an afternoon loss.

Engineering company Worley has secured further work at a number of Chevron's Australian assets, as well as new contracts with Shell and an Indonesian oil and gas company for a new sulfuric acid plant.

Payroll tax will be waived for around 10,000 small businesses for the next four months in Western Australia, with power credits, a hold on licence fees and interest-free payment plans for state government duties part of a $1 billion economic and health system stimulus package announced today.

Despite tough market conditions, two experienced Perth-based lawyers have today launched Mason Ledger, a full-service commercial law firm touting several major recruits from across the legal spectrum.

Public relations may not immediately spring to mind in terms of business sectors likely to experience ongoing demand amid the COVID-19-driven economic downturn.

Wearable technology company Nuheara says it will temporarily stand down employees in non-essential roles, while its senior executives have accepted reduced remuneration.

Emerging iron ore company Flinders Mines is looking to raise up to $14.52 million under a non-renounceable rights issue, with the funds primarily used to repay a loan from its major shareholder Todd Corporation.

SRG Global has withdrawn its full-year earnings guidance and deferred an interim payout to shareholders, citing the uncertain situation around COVID-19 and rapidly evolving virus-related measures.

About 100,000 Western Australians will lose their jobs as a result of the coronavirus, according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of WA, although it is unclear how much the federal government's new JobKeeper payment will reduce the damage.

Western Australians who don't comply with self-isolation directions will have an electric device installed in their homes or be warned under new laws to address the COVID-19 crisis.

Wesfarmers expects to make a $130 million pre-tax profit after selling down another lot of shares in supermarket giant Coles to shore up its balance sheet.

The Australian share market has gained more than three per cent as its buoyant mood resumes following its best ever session.

WA's FIFO ban a blow for resources giants

Global oil benchmark Brent crude plunged to its cheapest in almost 18 years overnight and US crude briefly tumbled below $US20 per barrel on growing fears the global coronavirus shutdown could last months and demand for fuel will decline further.

Gold prices inched up on Monday after an extension of restrictions in the United States exacerbated concerns about the economic toll of the coronavirus pandemic, driving investors to safe-haven assets.

The state government has unveiled $184 million in initiatives to boost crisis support and provide rent relief for small businesses and not-for-profit groups impacted by COVID-19, while the City of Perth has also announced a rent-free period for tenants in city-owned buildings.

Canva chief executive Melanie Perkins spoke to Business News about the impact of COVID-19 on her business and the world.

UPDATED: Woodside Petroleum has dropped plans for a 14-week fly-in, fly-out roster after presenting the option to its staff, opting instead for a less radical change as the oil and gas giant, along with mining companies, seeks to reduce the amount of travel to its remote sites.

Investors seem wary of a couple of WA stalwarts, with a lack of timely decision-making in a changing marketplace part of the problem.

The Australian share market has rallied hard in its final minutes for its best day ever after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the government's fiscal stimulus measures.

Engineering company Primero Group has secured further work with Rio Tinto under $20 million in contract variations, while at the same time maintaining its full-year earnings guidance.

SPECIAL REPORT: Several big businesses have stepped up to the plate during the current economic shock.

Free to read: WA will be relying on strong export industries to keep its economy afloat, with domestic industries employing a total of 250,000 Western Australians having closed or severely reduced operations due to COVID-19.

Western Australia will likely be closed to the eastern states by the end of the week, with Premier Mark McGowan shifting to the third stage of the state government's COVID-19 response.