The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is urging New Zealanders travelling overseas to consider returning home as soon as possible as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread.

It is also advising against all non-essential overseas travel.

• If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)

MFAT's request comes as commercial flights continue to get slashed, with many air routes no longer commercially viable.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs is also requesting its residents return home from overseas immediately.

In addition, Australia's DFAT is reminding people they may not have access to healthcare or support if they do get sick overseas.

New Zealand's Foreign Affairs Ministry says if people cannot return now, they should consider how best to keep themselves safe where they are.

More to come...