Prime Minister Scott Morrison has moved to effectively close Australian borders, issuing a formal ban on all incoming travel by non-citizens and residents that will come into effect from 9pm tomorrow night.
As part of escalating action aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 in Australia, Morrison this afternoon announced that all incoming passengers who are not citizens, residents, or close family members of those will be barred from entering the country.
Fronting media a short time ago in Canberra, Morrison stated “
Noting the announcements from Qantas and Virgin Australia – both of whom have moved to suspend all international flights from the end of the month – Morrison asserted “
The PM confirmed the escalated travel bans had been made in consultation with New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, and are timed to allow non-citizens and residents with existing plans to travel to Australia to make other arrangements.
Australian citizens living or holidaying abroad will still be permitted to return to Australia, and will be subject to the pre-existing 14-day mandatory self-quarantine.
In explaining the decision, Morrison stated “
The new regulations come into effect from 9pm tomorrow night.