Coronavirus: Australian travellers are told to return from overseas NOW in travel advice update

Australian travellers are told to return from overseas NOW and are warned they could get stuck abroad for months as countries lock down borders because of the escalating coronavirus pandemic

  • Australians who are overseas are urged to return home as soon as possible  
  • Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade updated Smart Traveller on Tuesday
  • Travellers have been told to return ‘as soon as possible’ by ‘commercial means’
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

Australians who are overseas are being urged to return home as soon as possible in an urgent update to travel advice due to the coronavirus outbreak. 

‘We now advise all Australians to reconsider your need for overseas travel at this time,’ a statement on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Smart Traveller website read on Tuesday.

‘If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.’

Australians who are overseas are being urged to return home as soon as possible in an urgent update to travel advice. Pictured: A woman walks through the empty international terminal at LAX airport in Los Angeles

The update was released a day after the Australian Government’s 14-day self-isolation for all international arrivals came into effect on Monday. 

From midday on Tuesday, Australians were no longer able to travel to Europe, with an initial EU ban in place for 30 days.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison is meeting the national cabinet on Tuesday evening, with new precautionary measures likely to be announced on Wednesday.

Australian travellers are urged to reconsider whether their journey is essential during the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the destination and their age or health. 

‘As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult,’ the update said.

‘You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.’

CORONAVIRUS CASES IN AUSTRALIA: 455

New South Wales: 210

Victoria: 94

Queensland: 78

South Australia: 32

Western Australia: 31

Tasmania: 7

Northern Territory: 1 

Australian Capital Territory: 2 

TOTAL CASES:  455

DEAD: 5  

Australians who choose to stay overseas are urged to follow the advice of local authorities.

The updated travel advice also encourages residents to minimise the risk of contracting the deadly virus by self-isolating. 

‘If you choose to stay, note our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services,’ the update said.  

As COVID-19 cases in Australia scale over 450, an increase of nearly 300 since Friday, the nation’s chief medical officers are giving the government advice on how to best protect residents in aged care homes and at indoor gatherings.

Non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people have already been banned.

Most schools are already taking precautions, including cancelling excursions and assemblies.

There are more than 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and five people have died

There are more than 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia and five people have died

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk