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HEALTH-VIRUS-AUSTRALIA
Australians told to stop travelling within the country
SYDNEY, March 22, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Australia’s prime minister on Sunday
told citizens to cancel any domestic travel plans to slow the spread of
coronavirus, warning stronger measures were imminent to deal with localised
outbreaks.
Scott Morrison said the government was “moving immediately” to recommend
against non-essential travel, announcing the measure as Australia’s
coronavirus infections topped 1,000 cases.
He said work-related trips, the transport of essential supplies and travel
on compassionate grounds could continue but people should cancel any other
travel plans ahead of the upcoming Easter school holidays.
“More stronger measures will be coming and they will be coming in more
localised areas to deal with outbreaks,” Morrison said.
“What that means is, what may be necessary in a part of Sydney may not be
necessary at all in… other parts of the country.”
Australia has already sealed off its borders, putting in place an
unprecedented ban on entry for non-residents in the hope of stemming the rise
of COVID-19 infections.
Two Australian regions — the island state of Tasmania and the Northern
Territory — have also implemented a 14-day quarantine period for all
visitors.
BSS/AFP/MSY/0756 hrs