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Prime Minister Scott Morrison told Australians yesterday to reconsider any foreign travel plans.
“If your travel is not essential, consider carefully whether now is the right time,” he said.
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.
“Only essential travel should be considered if you are going overseas from this point forward,” he said.
News sub-editor and Weekend Life columnist Sandy Lloyd had her holiday plans ruined by the virus.
Ms Lloyd was booked to set sail next month on a 30-night cruise — across the Pacific to Vancouver in Canada, via New Zealand, French Polynesia and Hawaii.
She paid for the trip 12 months ago before the coronavirus began forcing cruise ships into quarantine around the world and countries started closing their ports — while health authorities issued ‘do not cruise’ warnings.
“There was no pandemic coverage clause on my travel insurance, and it was too late to cancel and get a refund so I thought I would have to take my chances,” Ms Lloyd said.
However, on Saturday she was thrown a lifeline — with a catch.
Cruise line Royal Caribbean gave passengers sailing before July 31 the opportunity to cancel their cruise and receive any money already paid, back in the form of a credit, to be used on any cruise before the end of 2021.
Ms Lloyd said she jumped at the chance and was grateful for the offer.
“It’s not a refund, but it does mean I can change my cruise to next year and avoid the travel chaos going on right now,” she said.
“I wasn’t worried about catching coronavirus, but I was worried my holiday of a lifetime would be ruined.
“I had shore excursions booked — for activities including snorkelling in Tahiti and visiting an extinct volcano in Hawaii — so it would have been disappointing to miss out on those experiences because I wasn’t allowed to leave the ship,” she said.
Travel agent Lyn McNaught from Lyn McNaught Travel said there had been a different update on the virus each day.
“People should be guided by the government and their doctor,” Ms McNaught said.
Ms McNaught commended the flexibility and generosity of travel companies and airlines since the outbreak of the virus.
“Many are giving people credit and are allowing them to postpone their trip,” she said.
Qantas also announced its plans to ground 38 aircraft and reduce its capacity by almost a quarter for the next six months.
The airline said there had been a sudden and significant drop in demand for flights.
For more information visit the Smart Traveller Website at https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/