Australia Says Extended China Travel Ban in ‘National Interest’ Amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Australia defended its decision to bar people from entering the country from mainland China until at least Feb. 22 amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

Passengers from China Southern Airlines flight CZ319 arrive at Perth International Airport in Perth, Australia, on Feb. 2, 2020. Paul Kane/Getty Images

Australia defended its decision to bar people from entering the country from mainland China until at least Feb. 22 amid the COVID-19 outbreak, saying the measure was implemented in the country’s best interest.

After the extended travel restriction was announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Thursday, the Chinese Embassy in Canberra in a statement expressed its “deep regret and dissatisfaction” at the federal government’s “extreme” decision.