New COVID-19 rules now in force for international arrivals to Australia

New rules have come into force today for travellers entering Australia to prevent coronavirus outbreaks.

Those travelling to Australia must take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before boarding a flight.

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Travellers must provide evidence at check-in that they have received a negative result provided by a laboratory.

Children who are four years of age or younger at the time of check-in are not required to have a test or present evidence of a negative test result.

People with a medical certificate that indicates they are unable to undergo a COVID-19 test are also among the exemptions.

In addition to this, masks will now be mandatory on international flights and in airports.

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Masks are not mandatory for children under 12, those with medical conditions that prevent them from wearing a mask and those assisting people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the measures earlier this month, following a National Cabinet meeting to discuss how to prevent an outbreak of the highly-virulent UK strain of the virus in Australia.