In an unprecedented move the Australian Government today has issued advice to citizens living or working internationally, to return home as soon as possible.
In a statement released by the following warning was given: “If you are already overseas and wish to return to Australia, we recommend you do so as soon as possible by commercial means.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs advised all overseas residents to consider the capability of the health systems of other countries to cope with the pandemic, and issued a warning that it may be increasingly difficult to return home given commercial flights are being reduced due to demand.
Disregarding Myanmar remaining officially COVID-19 free, other International embassies are providing stark warning.
US Government: The US Embassy has already repatriated staff who have underlying health conditions and encouraged any Fulbright student to return home as soon as possible.
As a sign of the concern of the US Government all Peace Corp volunteers (have been)
called back.
UK Government: While not encouraging citizens to return home concern has been expressed over the capability of the health system under pressure.
The UK Government is not advising citizens to return home, however released a statement to Myanmore:
“We are not saying that British Nationals already in Myanmar need to leave. But they should consider the extent to which the restrictions on travel and the pressure on medical facilities will impact them. The worldwide coronavirus outbreak is expected to put significant pressure on Myanmar’s medical facilities.”
New Zealand Government: Has issued advice that the options for New Zealand travellers to return home are becoming increasingly restricted as routes are being commercially difficult to maintain.
Returning home as soon as possible is the most current advice.
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/news-and-updates/coronavirus-covid-19
