Highlights
- India has banned foreigners, OCI cardholders and visa holders from entering the country.
- Indian nationals will be allowed to enter India
- India and Australia have urged people to avoid all non-essential travel
The Canberra-based Indian High Commission (IHC) has urged Indian nationals including Indian international students living in Australia to stay alert, be hygiene conscious and follow all travel advisories related to COVID-19.
The IHC has urged Indian nationals to take ‘abundant precautions’ about their health.
‘Considering the growing number of COVID-19 cases in Australia, all Indian nationals and especially students are advised to take abundant precautions with regard to their health & hygiene and follow the advisories issued by the local authorities,’ the advisory stated.
For those looking to travel in coming days, the IHC has urged them to avoid all non-essential travel.
Non-essential travel is defined as travel which is not necessary and can be avoided or delayed.
‘Australia has announced that all arrivals in the country from midnight of March 15, 2020, must “self-isolate” for 14 days on arrival. Currently, Australia also has issued travel restrictions for a number of countries and further restrictions could be expected in the days ahead. Any overseas travel may also compromise your ability to return to Australia. It is strongly advised to avoid all non-essential domestic or international travel,’ the advisory said.
For those planning to travel to India, have been warned to prepare to be asked to quarantine.
‘It should be kept in mind by those Indian nationals travelling to India that they will also be subject to medical screening upon arrival in India and maybe put in quarantine for a minimum of 14 days if required.’
‘This is an unprecedented situation, but it can be successfully managed by taking decisions with a calm mind. Please take prudent health precautions and carefully review information and travel advisories,’ the High Commission said.
International students have been urged to check their on-campus housing arrangements and health insurance details.
Emergency consular services contact details:
- Residents of ACT & Queensland - ppt.canberra@mea.gov.in / phone no. +61 432 585 493
- Residents of NSW & South Australia - cons.sydney@mea.gov.in / phone no. +61 420 277 261.
- Residents of Victoria & Tasmania - cons.melbourne@mea.gov.in/ phone no. +61 430 020 828.
- Residents of Western Australia & Northern Territory- cons1.perth@mea.gov.in/ phone no. +61 431 743 681
Coronavirus symptoms can range from mild illness to pneumonia, according to the Federal Government's website, and can include a fever, coughing, sore throat, fatigue and shortness of breath.
People who believe they may have contracted the virus are advised to call their doctor before visiting or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
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