Australia has now issued a Level 4 ‘Do not travel’ alert which covers the entire world because of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. The country’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison told journalists it was the first time in Australian history that such a serious travel ban had been applied on a global scale.
“The travel advice to every Australian is ‘do not travel abroad’. Do not go overseas. That is very clear instruction. For those who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don’t. Don’t go overseas,” he warned.
The Level 4 advisory from the Australian government’s Smartraveller travel advice service is the highest risk and once issued, travel insurance policies are generally void. “At level 4, your health and safety is at extreme risk,” the guidance reads, telling Australian citizens to return home as soon as possible.
According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, the warning has been issued not only because of the risk of catching COVID-19 but also because of the risk of being stranded abroad.
“Overseas travel has become more complex and unpredictable,” the official advice reads. “Many countries are introducing entry or movement restrictions. These are changing often and quickly. Your travel plans may be disrupted,” it continues.
“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.”
Virgin Australia today announced it would suspend all international flying as of March 30 until at least June 14 in response to plummeting passenger demand and increasingly restrictive and complex travel restrictions. Domestic capacity will also be slashed by up to 50 per cent and 53 planes will be grounded.
The airline said it would operate a reduced international service until March 29 in order to assist in the repatriation of as many Australia’s as possible who are currently stuck overseas.
Virgin Australia said recent decisions would have an “impact” on its employees and described ongoing talks with unions as constructive. The carrier cautioned that along with unpaid leave options, there would also be redundancies.
Yesterday, Qantas announced plans to cut international capacity by as much as 90 per cent until the end of May. Total domestic capacity has been cut by around 60 per cent.
All new arrivals into Australia, including its own citizens, are now subject to mandatory 14-day home quarantine. The country has identified at least 452 confirmed COVID-19 cases.
