The news comes following the introduction of the Public Health (COVID-190 Lord Howe Island) Order 2020 which commenced at 5am on Sunday 22nd March.

1) The Order states: The Minister directs that access to and from Lord Howe Island is restricted to the following persons-

a) Residents of Lord Howe Island,

b) Non-residents of Lord Howe Island but only to leave the Island,

c) Persons required to provide, or support, health services and other essential services to persons on the Island,

d) Persons who are part of the crew of an airplane or ship referred to subclause (2),

e) A person approved under subclause (3). 

2) A person must not land an airplane on Lord Howe Island or dock a ship at Lord Howe Island other than.

a) For the purposes of providing supplies to persons on the Island, or

b) For a purpose related to providing, or supporting, health services and other essential services to persons on the Island,

c) For a reason approved under subclause (3).

3) The Coordinator-General may approve, in writing, the following subject to any conditions the Coordinator-General considers appropriate-

a) A person having access to or from Lord Howe Island,

b) A person landing an aircraft on the Island or docking a ship at the Island.

The Order is in place until 18th June 2020.