Australian PM announces China travel restrictions

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Saturday strict new restrictions for people travelling from China and warned Australians not to travel to mainland China in an attempt to reduce exposure to the deadly new virus.

Acting on advice of Chief Medical Officers from all states and territories, the Federal Government expanded the area covered by restrictions to include all of mainland China, not just Hubei province where the coronavirus first emerged.

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families will be exempt from the restriction but will be forced to undergo a self-isolation period of 14 days after leaving mainland China.China has recorded at least 259 deaths of the infection.

(Image Credit: AP)