Smartraveller is now advising all Australians to reconsider their need to travel to Wuhan, China in light of the coronavirus which continues to spread throughout both China and the world.
Chinese authorities have put new measures in place to contain the spread of the flu-like virus including wearing masks in public places and avoiding travel in and out of Wuhan.
The virus, which originated in Wuhan city, has already killed 17 people in China. There have also been reported cases of the virus spreading to Thailand, the US, Singapore, Taiwan, South Korea and Japan.
Image: World Health Organisation
When a China Eastern flight from Wuhan arrived in Sydney yesterday morning passengers were screened individually with biosecurity officers and border security staff interviewed passengers.
No passengers were found to be carrying the virus.
The flight marked the final arrival out of Wuhan at Sydney Airport until the city of 11 million people emerges from lockdown.
The World Health Organisation is yet to declare a public health emergency over coronavirus at this stage.
WHO did, however, release a statement saying “it is expected that further international exportation of cases may appear in any country”.
“Thus, all countries should be prepared for containment, including active surveillance, early detection, isolation and case management, contact tracing and prevention of onward spread.”
World Health Organisation
Smartravller advises that if you have travelled to Wuhan and have developed symptoms of respiratory illness to contact a doctor immediately.
Meanwhile, Smartraveller’s advice level for China overall remains at exercise normal safety precautions.
