Covid19 is a subset of the virus corona that was transmitted from animals to humans late last year which led to its rapid spread and high mortality in short period of time.
Besides Asian and European countries, Australia has also recorded some epidemic cases.
Eighty virus-infected cases across the Australian continent and three deaths have been reported so far.*
Travel restrictions
Since the announcement of the virus spread, the Australian government has announced harsher border controls to protect citizens’ health.
The Border Commissioner has been authorised by the National Security Committee to decide on the arrival of indviduals who have been abroad when coronavirus started spreading. Those individuals underwent medical examinations and were advised to be in isolation for fourteen days.
This has resulted in a large number of visas being refused or people were forbidden to take the flight, both at the airport and at quarantine points.
The National Security Committee stresses that the safety of the population is paramount and therefore the introduction of travel restrictions is essential.
Australian citizens and their immediate family members will be able to enter the country while those who have been in contact with persons confirmed to be suffering from coronavirus must be quarantined for fourteen days from the time they have been in contact.
High-risk countries
Passengers from the following countries are considered to be of high-risk by the Australian Government: China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
If you are coming from China, South Korea or Iran you must be quarantined for fourteen days. If you are coming from Italy, it is necessary to have passed the health examination, but isolation is not required.
Mongolia and Japan were also added on the list of countries not recommended for travel.
The National Safety Committee will work with airline companies to find out which passengers should not travel. Airline companies are expected to refuse those passengers who show some of the symptoms.
The Australian government is closely monitoring the changes in the infected parts of China and is doing everything to protect the Australian population. Many government organisations are helping to isolate and neutralise the virus. Funds are being invested in medical equipment, primarily protective masks, to help protect everyone from infections.
Help and information
For questions or emergency cases, you can contact the Coronavirus Information Line at +61 1800200 080.
The Australian Government has announced the activation of the Australian Emergency Sector for the coronavirus. In this way, an effective health network has been created through which citizens can be monitored.
Australia continues to accept applications for visitor and other visas, but people coming from high-risk countries are advised not to apply for temporary visas.
For news updates, please, check the website of the Department of Home Affairs or Smart Traveller.
If you need immigration assistance for Australia, be free to contact us on some of the available contacts or schedule a consultation with our registered migration agent here so we can have a better insight into your circumstances and properly evaluate your case.
*Please, note that the information in this article is valid only at the time of its announcement. For latest information, please, check the relevant websites.
