“Do not travel abroad,” warns Prime Minister.
The Federal Government has just announced an indefinite ban on overseas travel by Australians, in the latest escalation of measures to contain the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smartraveller website confirms that the “Do not Travel” Level 4 advice now applies to all international destinations, and also urges anyone currently overseas to return as soon as possible by commercial means.
Speaking at a media conference this morning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison reiterated that “the travel advice to every Australian is ‘Do not travel abroad’. Do not go overseas. That is very clear, that instruction.
“For those who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don’t. Don’t go overseas. The biggest risk we have had and the biggest incidents of cases we have had…has been from Australians returning from overseas.
“This is an indefinite ban,” he added.
Morrison also announced a ban of non-essential gatherings of 100 people in indoor areas, along with special arrangements to ensure cruise ships currently at sea are able to dock so that passengers can disembark.
Australians on board can get home and self-isolate, while international passengers are able to head straight to the airport to fly home.
More information in today’s issues of Travel Daily and Cruise Weekly.