Australians Urged To Reconsider All International Travel Over Coronavirus Fears

As the coronavirus outbreak continues, Australians are being urged to reconsider all unnecessary international travel.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued advice for the country to cancel all non-essential public gatherings of 500 people or more from Monday.

In addition to that, travelling outside of Australia has been discouraged unless it's absolutely necessary.

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Mr Morrison told a press conference in western Sydney: "This is done to protect their health and to limit their exposure, given we have so many countries now that are affected by the coronavirus. Only essential travel should be considered if you are going overseas from this point forward."

The Smart Traveller website has been updated with information about what you should do if you have travel plans over the coming days, weeks and months.

It says that even if you are a healthy individual, you should still have a think about continuing with the trip.

The advice says: "You may be more exposed to contracting COVID-19 overseas. You may come in contact with more people than usual, including during long-haul flights and in crowded airports.

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"Health care systems in some countries will come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia's. You may not have your normal support networks overseas.

"Overseas travel has become more complex and unpredictable. Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions.

"These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries.

"Think about what this might mean for your health, and your family, work or study responsibilities."

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Australia has already put in travel bans for people travelling from Italy, China, Iran and South Korea, as they have the highest number of cases of Covid-19.

Aussies who have travelled through these areas will be allowed to come home, however they will have to self-isolate for two weeks.

America this week has introduced a travel ban for 26 countries in Europe, causing many to scramble to fly home.

The Australian government is just making you aware that the coronavirus outbreak is an evolving situation and if you choose to go on your trip you could be negatively affected.

Topics: News, coronavirus, Australia

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie is a Trending Journalist at LADbible. His first job was as a newsreader and journalist at the award winning Sydney radio station, Macquarie Radio. He was solely responsible for the content broadcast on multiple stations across Australia when the MH17, Germanwings and AirAsia disasters unfolded. Stewart has covered the conflict in Syria for LADbible, interviewing a doctor on the front line, and has contributed to the hugely successful UOKM8 campaign.

@stewartperrie