The AHPPC issued a public notice on February 27, 2020 under the new coronary pneumonia
Based on these epidemiological changes, extending travel bans to more than one country may not seem feasible or effective in the medium term. However, it may be appropriate to stay isolated or maintain some social distance after returning from high-risk areas.
With hubei province still under quarantine, the risk to the Australian community from mainland Chinese travellers has been greatly reduced since the travel ban came into effect on February 1.
AHPPC recommends:
• mainland China’s travel ban remains in effect but will be reassessed a week later
• as stated earlier, consideration may be given to allowing the return of foreign students from outside hubei, China in bulk, subject to appropriate screening, isolation, and meeting the requirements of state public health departments to accept and manage student travel risk control.
• strict quarantine requirements should continue for travelers (including international students) who have spent time in mainland China and for anyone who has had contact with a confirmed case of coronary pneumonia. That is to say, self-isolation should be maintained within 14 days of return from mainland China or within 14 days of last contact with patients with neopneumonia
• any symptomatic travelers returning from Korea, Iran, Japan, Italy, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia should be tested for the new coronavirus. Upgrading travel restrictions is not yet recommended
• clinicians should consider testing a hospitalized pneumonia patient for coronavirus, regardless of the country or region he or she came from during the past 14 days
