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14 February, 2020

China travel ban extended amid coronavirus spike as quarantined cruise offered free porn

Girl walking wearing a mask in the city street.

The government has extended the travel ban on foreign nationals who have recently been to China prompted by concerns about coronavirus.

According to a release from the prime minister and the minister for health, the restriction, which has been in place since 1 February, has been extended until 22 February and will be reviewed on a week by week basis.

The restriction means foreign nationals, excluding permanent citizens, who have been in mainland China will not be allowed to enter Australia for 14 days from the time they left.

Australian citizens and permanent residents are still required to self-isolate for 14 days from the time they left mainland China.

“There is continuing and concerning growth of cases and mortality in Hubei province and further, though slower, growth in other regions of mainland China,” the release said.

“On the advice of the AHPPC, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will maintain its travel advice for mainland China at “Do not travel” until there is a material change in the global situation.

“Border measures to screen passengers on flights and vessels from mainland China and for people who have been in, or transited through, mainland China in the past 14 days will also continue.”

This comes as China’s Hubei province, where coronavirus originated, reported 242 new deaths and 14,840 new cases of the virus on Thursday.

ABC News reported the new spike in deaths brings the death count to 1,310 in the province alone.

Chinese officials said the spike was the result of a new methodology for counting infections.

Diamond Princess passengers live-Tweet their quarantine, are offered free porn

Meanwhile, onboard Princess Cruises’ Diamond Princess, one passenger has come up with a way to entertain himself as the ship enters its 11th day in quarantine.

Passenger Matthew Smith has kept himself busy by tweeting photos of the food he and his wife received each day alongside delightful commentary on day-to-day life quarantined on a cruise ship.

“Google Maps keeps notifying me, “Heavy traffic in your area. Much slower than usual.” Just not seeing that,” his most recent Tweet reads.

“Tonight’s dinner made up for the misses at lunch, then some. Miso soup, ceviche over lettuce, tasty risotto, ultra-tender beef stew, & delicious cake. With ramen, snacks, KitKats, and bananas for between meals. I haven’t yet reached the “no mas” stage, but I imagine some have,” another said.

Tonight's dinner made up for the misses at lunch, then some. Miso soup, ceviche over lettuce, tasty risotto, ultra-tender beef stew, & delicious cake. With ramen, snacks, KitKats, and bananas for between meals. I haven't yet reached the "no mas" stage, but I imagine some have. pic.twitter.com/y86hs5pqTU
— Matthew Smith (@mjswhitebread) February 13, 2020

Oh, and by the way, this morning for breakfast on the 🚢we had 🍳🍳🥓 🥐🍊☕☕ and a few other things for which I can find no emoji on the Google virtual keyboard.
— Matthew Smith (@mjswhitebread) February 12, 2020

You'll all be glad to know that we have been supplied with face masks for any occasion. In-cabin formal night anyone? pic.twitter.com/4tCbwXegOD
— Matthew Smith (@mjswhitebread) February 10, 2020

This is the only plea for help I have onboard #DiamondPrincess Sorry/Not sorry pic.twitter.com/FTy6lmIEZH
— Matthew Smith (@mjswhitebread) February 7, 2020

For those not interested in Twitter, adult entertainment company CamSoda has offered free porn for passengers on board the ship.

“They are not only dealing with the fear of infection, which is terrifying, but boredom,” Daryn Parker, CamSoda’s vice president, said according to Seven News.

“We like cruises just as much as the next guy, but without activities or human interaction, the boredom must be crippling.

“In an effort to keep their minds off of the coronavirus and to help with the boredom, we’re offering passengers and crews the ability to have fun in a safe and controlled environment with camming.”

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

coronavirus diamond princess Travel Ban