There is a lot to unpack from Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s address to the nation this morning, detailing how Australia will protect its citizens from the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the biggest concerns for Australians is travel.
Whether you have holidays planned or family and friends overseas, Australia’s new travel ban will hugely impact your plans.
In an unprecedented event, the Prime Minister announced a Level 4 travel ban.
“This is the highest level of travel ban the country can implement and “the first time this has ever happened in Australia’s history,” the PM said during a press conference on Wednesday morning.
Keep on scrolling to find out everything you need to know.
The Prime Minister addressed the nation this morning amid the pandemic.
What does the travel ban mean for you?
To put it simply: Do not travel overseas.
“The travel advice to every Australian is: Do not travel abroad,” the Prime Minister said in his address.
“For those of you who are thinking of going overseas in the school holidays, don’t. Don’t go overseas.
“The biggest risk we have had has been from Australian’s returning from overseas, from many countries you would not have thought to be a source.”
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Returning from overseas travel
Just days ago, Scott Morrison announced extra precautionary measures for those wanting to return home to Australia from overseas travel.
Stricter boarder controls now require anyone who arrives in Australia to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return.
However, this does not apply to flight crews or for people travelling from Pacific Island states who transit through Australia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued a warning to Australians overseas.
“If you’re already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means,” DFAT said.
“Regardless of your destination, age or health, if your overseas travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time.
“As more countries close their borders or introduce travel restrictions, overseas travel is becoming more complex and difficult. You may not be able to return to Australia when you had planned to.
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Domestic travel and long-term plans
Good news: You can still fly domestically.
Domestic travel is at a lower risk level are does not face the same restrictions.
“It’s not the plane [or air travel that is concerning], it is where you are coming from or going to,” the PM clarified.
If your travel plans fall later in the year, you may still face restrictions.
“We are looking at a situation of at least six months for how we deal with this,” Morrison said
It could be much longer than that. It could be shorter. That is unlikely, given the way we are seeing events unfold.”
