Cancel your holiday now: Scott Morrison urges Australians to reconsider ANY overseas travel that isn't essential
- Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Aussies to rethink non-essential travel
- He said this advice is regardless of the traveller's destination, age or health
- Travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy
- Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to reconsider any non-essential travel amid coronavirus fears.
In a press conference on Friday, Mr Morrison said the government was advising against any non-essential overseas travel and also banned gatherings of more than 500 people.
'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,' the prime minister said.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Australians to reconsider any non-essential travel amid coronavirus fears
'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,' he said.
Mr Morrison said only travel deemed absolute essential should be taken.
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He advised anyone that needs further information should check the Smart Traveller website.
Mr Morrison said the move could slow down the rate of infection of coronavirus in Australia.
'This is not an absolute measure,' he said.
He said this advice is regardless of the traveller's destination, age or health
'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 common-sense measure to put in place at this point.'
A travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy.
Mr Morrison said it is unclear whether the travel ban will be extended to other nations at this stage.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that no one, besides the country's citizens and people in the UK and Ireland, can enter America if they have been in Europe.
A travel ban has been put in place for mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. Pictured: Drive-thru testing at South Australia Hospital
Airlines - including Qantas, Jetstar and Virgin - scaled back their flights following the declaration of a public emergency.
Flight Centre also announced it will close 100 stores that have been under-performing due to the downturn in the industry caused by coronavirus.
The travel agency also withdrew its earnings guidance as COVID-19 cripples the tourism industry.
The company said it would look to transfer staff to other shops.
Mr Morrison said it is unclear whether the travel ban will be extended to other nations at this stage
In a statement this morning, the company explained the decision, saying: 'Demand is softening significantly and the timeframe for recovery is unclear.'
The statement was titled: 'Key strategies to combat short-term coronavirus challenges.'
Australian citizens, permanent residents, their family and New Zealand residents are still able to enter Australia if they have visited those countries.
The number of cases across the nation has soared to 199 - up more than a third in just 24 hours, according to health officials
However they will need to self-isolate for 14 days.
The Prime Minister also said the government will ban 'non essential' public gatherings of more than 500 people from Monday.
The government is taking the drastic move in the wake of growing evidence the coronavirus pandemic is spreading throughout the community.
'We will be advising against organised, non-essential gatherings of persons of 500 people or greater from Monday,' Mr Morrison said on Friday.
The number of cases across the nation has soared to 199 - up more than a third in just 24 hours, according to health officials.
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