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Australians overseas urged to return back home immediately

Australians currently overseas are being urged to travel home as soon as possible amid the growing spread of coronavirus.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade issued advice on Tuesday evening encouraging Australians to return home urgently on commercial airlines.

“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.”

DFAT said due to travel overseas becoming “more complex and difficult”, it might be hard for Australians to return home when they had originally planned.

“Consider whether you have access to healthcare and support systems if you get sick while overseas,” it said.

Australians have been urged to come home as soon as possible. Source: Getty Images
Australians have been urged to come home as soon as possible. Source: Getty Images

“If you decide to return to Australia, do so as soon as possible. Commercial options may become less available.”

People overseas who do not want to return to Australia or for some reason can’t, were advised to follow the advice of local authorities.

“Take care to minimise your risk of exposure to coronavirus including by self-isolating. If you choose to stay, note our ability to provide consular assistance in some places may be limited due to restrictions on movement and other services.”

This message comes days after the government raised the level of travel advice for all countries, regardless of people's destination, age or health.

“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,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Friday.

“Only essential travel should be considered if you are going overseas from this point forward.”

Everyone entering Australia from overseas are required to self-isolate for 14 days after touching down, with more details available at the Australian Border Force website.

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