Australia Barring Entry to Non-Australian Citizens Amid Coronavirus Fears

On Saturday, the Australian government announced that it would bar non-citizens arriving from mainland China from entering the country. The new preventative measures are there to help stop the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.

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 "Australian citizens, Australian residents, dependents, legal guardians or spouses" would be permitted into the country from mainland China from Saturday, said Prime Minister Scott Morrison to Yahoo Only.

"The arrangements are being put in place through our border authorities to ensure that that can be actioned," he added.

Border control authorities would be able to "step up" processes in the next 24 hours to screen those who had departed or transited through China, Morrison said.

Exceptions will be made for airline crew "using appropriate personal protective equipment."

"We're in fact operating with an abundance of caution in these circumstances. So Australians can go about their daily lives with confidence," Morrison told reporters.

"We're acting here in advance of many countries in terms of when similar types of arrangements are being put in place."

In addition, several other measures have been put in order or protect the country, including people arriving in Australia from China to self-isolate for 14 days, and Australia's foreign ministry's advice for travel to China has updated "do not travel."

As of yesterday, the death toll currently stands at 213 inside China, and confirmed infections are 9,096 while possible infections are at 12,167 inside China with recoveries listed as 163.

Cases outside of China have been increasing and are now estimated to be over 100. Recent updates include Italy (2), France (6), Germany (5), Australia (9).

What do you think of this move? Is it a safe way to protect a nation's people or a discriminatory move?