LATEST INFORMATION ON THE CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) – 10 MARCH 2020
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The WHO has not declared a pandemic but its global risk assessment of the coronavirus is now ‘very high’.
- In response to the global spread of the virus and advice from the WHO and Australian health authorities, the Australian Government has heightened its level of preparedness in anticipation of a potential coronavirus pandemic.
- On 27 February 2020 Australia’s Prime Minister announced the activation of the ‘Australian Health Sector Emergency Response Plan for Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)’. The plan focuses on strengthening and boosting Australia’s already world-class health care systems.
- The Australian Government is monitoring the outbreak closely and has implemented temporary measures including border restrictions for travellers from China, Iran and South Korea and additional screening and testing of travellers from Italy.
- Travel alerts are also in place for a number of other countries. If you are considering travelling overseas or visiting Australia you should contact your travel agent and visit the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for the most up-to-date advice.
- Australia has a world class health care system and well-established measures and safeguards in place to deal with the threat of viruses including at our airports.
- In Australia, there have been a relatively small number of confirmed cases of coronavirus compared to some other countries. For the latest information on coronavirus cases in Australia, please refer to the Department of Health’s website.
- All Australian airports are open and, with the exception of flights to and from China, Iran and South Korea all international air services into Australia are generally operating as normal. Some airlines have reduced or cancelled flights in response to a drop in demand for these services. You should check with your airline or travel agent before you book or undertake travel.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the latest advice for Australians considering travel overseas?
- Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) continues to adjust its travel advice as new information becomes available.
- If you are considering travelling overseas or returning to Australia you should contact your travel agent and visit the Australian Government’s Smartraveller website for the most up-to-date information.
What should I do if I have recently been in China, Iran or the Republic of Korea?
- Foreign nationals (excluding permanent residents) who have been in mainland China, Iran or the Republic of Korea, are not allowed to enter Australia until 14 days after they have left or transited through these countries.
- Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family (including spouses, dependents and legal guardians) will still be able to enter Australia but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after the date they left mainland China, Iran or the Republic of Korea.
- If you are an Australian citizen returning from Italy or the Republic of Korea you need to monitor your health for 14 days after your departure from, or transit through, those countries. If you work as a healthcare worker or residential aged care worker, you must not attend your regular work for 14 days.
- You do not need to isolate yourself if you have only travelled in Hong Kong, Macau or Taiwan.
- These measures are being reviewed every 7 days based on the best available public health advice.
- For more information visit the Australian Department of Health’s website.
What should I do if I have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus?
- Australia has strict quarantine requirements in place for any travellers (including returning students) who have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed case of the coronavirus. That is, self-quarantine for 14 days from the date of last contact with that person.
What precautions should I take?
- Everyone should practise good hygiene and other measures to protect against infections. These measures include:
- Washing your hands;
- Covering your mouth while coughing or sneezing; and
- Avoiding contact with wild or farm animals.
What symptoms should I watch out for?
- The virus can cause a range of symptoms, ranging from mild illness to pneumonia. People may experience:
- Fever;
- Flu-like symptoms such as coughing, sore throat and headaches;
- Difficulty breathing in some cases.
- If you become unwell and suspect you may have symptoms of novel coronavirus, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Where can I get more information about the coronavirus?
- For the latest health and travel advice issued by the World Health Organization visit here.
- For the latest information about the coronavirus in Australia visit the Australian Government’s Department of Health.
- The Australian Government’s Smartraveller website also provides advice to Australians considering overseas travel or who have returned from travel feeling unwell.
- If you have questions about the coronavirus you can contact your state or territory public health agency or the national virus hotline:
- Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
- Australian Capital Territory: 02 5124 9213
- New South Wales: 1300 066 055
- Northern Territory: 08 8922 8044
- Queensland: 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84)
- South Australia: 1300 232 272
- Tasmania: 1800 671
- Victoria: 1300 651 160
- Updates to Tourism Australia website will continue as information becomes available.
See all Tourism Australia’s updates here https://www.australia.com/en/travel-alerts/coronavirus.html
