**** UPDATES as of 5:00pm, 19 March 2020 *** Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced that a travel ban will be placed on all non-residents (not Australian citizens) coming into the country, effective 9pm Friday 20 March, 2020.

Morrison said there was already a “very significant” drop in the travel to Australia by non-citizens and residents of about 1/3 of normal levels at this time of year, fuelled by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“We’ve seen reductions, even in the last few days when we put in place the bans which required people to self isolate for 14 days. And so as a result of that decision, we’ve seen that the traffic reduce quite significantly. And we believe it is essential now to take that further step to ensure that we now no longer will be allowing anyone unless they’re a citizen or a resident or a direct family member,” Morrison said.

The Prime Minister said he was in consultation with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden to make special arrangements for transTasman travellers.

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**** As of 9.30am, 18 March 2020 **** DFAT is now advising Australian travellers ‘do not travel’ overseas as the global COVID-19 situation continues to worsen. Previously the advice was “reconsider your need to travel”.

‘Do not travel’ is the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s highest advice level.

“Regardless of your destination, age or health, our advice is do not travel at this time,” the Department said this morning.

Announcing the travel warning, Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed it was the first time in the country’s history to issue a travel ban for the entire world.

“The travel advice to every Australian is ‘do not travel abroad’. Do not go overseas. That is very clear, that instruction. For those who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don’t. Don’t go overseas,” Mr Morrison said in Canberra.

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