For the first time ever, Australians are now no longer able to leave the country, after the national security committee declared a bio security emergency.
Announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, travel restrictions have now been escalated to level 4, with Australians banned from leaving the country, for the time being.
The Prime Minister told Australians to stop travelling to avoid spreading COVID-19.
“We are upgrading the travel ban on Australians to level four for the entire world, that is the first time that’s ever happened in Australia’s history,” Mr Morrison said.
“The travel advice to every Australia, is do not travel abroad, do not go overseas, that is a very clear instruction.
“For those of you 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 … from many countries that you wouldn’t have expected to be a source.”
Smartraveller advises those travellers still overseas, “If you wish to return to Australia, do so ASAP by commercial means. If you can’t or decide not to, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure, including through self-isolation.”
