Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Saturday that foreign travellers who have left or passed through mainland China will be denied entry to Australia, as the number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the country rose to 12. The ban, effective immediately, is part of efforts to prevent the outbreak from spreading further.
Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate families are exempt from the restrictions. However, they must self-isolate for 14 days from the time they leave China. The measures also apply to airline staff who have used personal protective equipment.
The Department of Foreign Affairs raised its travel advice for China to the highest level, 'do not travel'. Australians currently in China are advised to leave as soon as possible by commercial means, though many airlines have reduced or stopped flights.
Qantas announced it will suspend its two direct services to mainland China from February 9 until March 28, citing entry restrictions imposed by the US, Singapore, and other countries.
Three new coronavirus cases were confirmed on Saturday—one in Melbourne and two in South Australia—bringing the national tally to 12. The cases include a Chinese couple in their 60s from Wuhan visiting family in South Australia.
Advanced screening and reception arrangements will be implemented at major airports, including the provision of thermometers and half a million masks for passengers and staff. The temporary ban will be reviewed in a fortnight.
