Morrison said he was “torn up” seeing the impacts of some of the unprecedented social distancing restrictions his government has put in place, including asking older Australians to self-isolate.

“So many hard things,” he told Sky News on Wednesday night.

“Young kids who can’t see their grandparents and vice versa.”

He said he was most troubled by the pandemic restrictions that bar more than 10 people attending a funeral.

“The one that really tears me up though, is how many people have had to deal with loved ones who’ve passed away and to go through funerals with so few people,” he said, becoming visibly upset as he went on.

“It’s just horrible.

“Let’s look forward to the good days, hey mate, they are going to come.”

Government sources have told the ABC that when the time comes to consider lifting restrictions, it will likely be done in reverse order, meaning the most recent — and most severe — restrictions would likely be lifted first.

One of the most likely early changes will be the removal of the “two-person rule”, when National Cabinet meets in the middle of May to consider what restrictions can be eased.

Trump ‘impressed’ with the way Australia has handled pandemic

During the interview, Morrison also revealed details of his phone call earlier on Wednesday with US President Donald Trump.

The pair discussed health and economic responses to the coronavirus pandemic, and the role of the World Health Organisation.

Morrison wants the WHO or another new body to have powers similar to those afforded to weapons inspectors, in an effort to investigate how the outbreaks such as the coronavirus happened.

He floated the idea with several world leaders, including the US President.

Morrison said Trump had also been watching the way Australia is handling the coronavirus pandemic.

– ABC / Anna Henderson