Aussies urged to reconsider travel to parts of China

As the death toll from the coronavirus sweeping China grows, Aussies are being given new travel advice on travelling to the region.

AUSTRALIA’S are being urged to reconsider any travel to parts of China, as the death toll for the new coronavirus continues to rise.

At least 17 people have died from the disease, which is believed to have originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, while there are 500 confirmed cases.

Following the spike in fatalities, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a new travel advisory was released this morning.

Brisbane man tests negative for new SARS-like virus

Risk of new coronavirus reaching Australia “quite likely”

A man wears a mask while walking in the street in Wuhan. Picture: Getty Images

They are now urging Australians to reconsider their need to travel to the city, which has a population of 11 million.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the decision was made after health authorities reviewed the travel advice with DFAT.

“That advisory has now been upgraded & advises Australian travellers to reconsider their need to travel to Wuhan,” he said.

“There are still no confirmed cases in Australia.

“We urge anyone who has developed any respiratory symptoms within 14 days of travel to Wuhan, to contact their doctor immediately.”

China has locked down Wuhan in a bid to limit the spread of the disease, ahead of Chinese New Year celebrations which see mass travel across the country.

DFAT are advising that Chinese authorities have put new measures in place to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

Health Minister Greg Hunt announced Australia’s travel advice to Wuhan has been upgraded to “reconsider need to travel”. Picture: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“This includes wearing masks in public places and avoiding travel in and out of Wuhan,” the travel warning states.

“Our level of advice for China remains at exercise normal safety precautions overall.”

Any Australians already in Wuhan have previously been advised to avoid contact with animals and high-risk areas such as farms and live animal markets, keep their distance from sick people, wash their hands with soap regularly and see a doctor if they become unwell.