Filming of Aussie soap Home and Away has ceased with immediate effect as the deadly coronavirus disease continues to spread across the world.

In a statement, Channel Seven said that no specific incident had prompted the shutdown, but the decision was taken with the health of the cast and crew in mind.

It said: "Seven Studios advised today that it would halt filming of Home and Away immediately.

"It confirmed that no cast or crew had tested positive for COVID-19, but that the decision was made due to the increasing logistical hurdles related to the COVID-19 situation."

Seven is believed to have several months' worth of episodes already in the bag so the soap, which airs on Channel 5 in the UK, could remain on air until the early summer.

Fellow Aussie soap Neighbours shut down briefly last week as a precautionary measure but filming is expected to resume tomorrow.