Coronavirus: Australians told to reconsider non-essential overseas travel

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged all Australians to “reconsider your need” to travel anywhere overseas in response to the growing pandemic.

Australians have been urged to reconsider any “non-essential” overseas travel, as the government ramps up its response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison advised all Aussies to reconsider any overseas travel they may have planned.

“We have also decided through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade that we now advise all Australians to reconsider your need to travel overseas at this time, regardless of your destination, age or health – if your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time,” Mr Morrison told reporters this afternoon.

“So we are effectively putting in place what is called a level three travel advice for travel of Australians overseas.

“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.”

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Prime Minister Scott Morrison speaks during the Meeting of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG). Picture: David Gray-Pool/Getty Images

Mr Morrison warned all citizens to “heed” this advice and undertake only essential overseas travel.

“Given the spread of the coronavirus to so many countries now, across Europe, including to the UK, the United States, and throughout the world, I think this is a very commonsense measure to put in place at this point,” he said.

“Up until this time that has not been the advice. Even a couple of weeks ago, we were talking about the number of countries through whom the coronavirus had spread, being less than 50.

“It’s well over 100 now and more are added every day. So as you see things move to a pandemic phase, then these are the sorts of measures you put in place and you do it at the right time.”

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Australians have been told to put off all non-essential overseas travel. Picture: Gaye Gerard/Sunday Telegraph

The government’s SmartTraveller website has been updated with the new travel recommendations, urging Aussies to “consider carefully whether now is the right time” to go overseas.

SmartTraveller said this advice has been issued for two main reasons, with the first being people may be more exposed to contracting the coronavirus while travelling.

“You may come in contact with more people than usual, including during long-haul flights and in crowded airports," the website states.

“Health care systems in some countries will come under strain and may not be as well-equipped as Australia’s. If you’re sick, you may not have your normal support networks.”

The second reason is that the growing spread of the virus means travel has become more “complex and unpredictable”.

“Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions. These are changing often and quickly,” the website states.

“Your travel plans may be disrupted. You may be placed in quarantine or denied entry to some countries, and you may need to self-quarantine on return to Australia.

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

The government had previously advised against travel to regional epicentres in China, Italy, South Korea and Iran.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) advised those who have plans to travel overseas to contact their travel suppliers about potential refunds, credits, or postponements.

“Most travel insurance policies have exclusions for outbreaks of infectious diseases, pandemics, epidemics and/or known events that could lead to a claim,” ICA said in a statement.

“Travel insurance policies purchased prior to coronavirus (COVID-19) becoming a known event may cover travellers who are overseas for coronavirus-related expenses. This will depend on the travel insurance product purchased.

“Travel insurance policies purchased after COVID-19 became a known event are unlikely to cover travellers who are overseas or who are yet to travel for coronavirus-related expenses.”

This advice comes as Mr Morrison announced all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people should not go ahead from Monday.

It doesn’t include schools, university lectures, people taking public transport or the functioning of airports, the PM said.

“There will be many issues to work through between now and Monday as we get the precise advice about the implementation of that advice to Australians around the country,” he said.

“We will be meeting again on Sunday to consider that further advice on the implementation of those arrangements, and we will provide further advice at that point.”

It’s unclear if event organisers would be legally compelled to cancel events or if the measure was merely advice.