WELLINGTON: New Zealand will close its borders to all foreigners from midnight on Thursday (Mar 19), as it steps up efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the country.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are cancelling flights.
“I’m not willing to tolerate risk at our borders,” Ardern told a media conference.
“Today’s decision stops any tourist, or temporary visa holder such as students or temporary workers, from coming to and entering into New Zealand,” the prime minister said.
READ: New Zealand government raises travel advice to ‘do not travel’ over COVID-19
New Zealand so far has 28 cases of coronavirus infection, but no deaths. Globally, total infections have crossed the 200,000 mark while more than 8,000 people have died.
The announcement came shortly after neighbouring Australia also placed a travel ban on non-residents and non-citizens.
Ardern said New Zealanders’ partners, legal guardians or any dependent children travelling with them may return. She also said people who have already boarded and on their way will still be able to land.
The new border restrictions also apply to South Pacific countries, which were previously exempted from some travel restrictions.
Ardern said cargo would still be allowed entry.
READ: Airline industry turmoil deepens as coronavirus pain spreads
“Our shelves will be stocked…there is no reason to panic buy,” she said, after the country earlier ordered indoor events with more than 100 people be cancelled.
Earlier this week, New Zealand announced one of the largest per capita stimulus packages in the world, amounting to 4 per cent of its GDP, in an attempt to soften the negative economic impact from the coronavirus outbreak.
READ: New Zealand unveils US$7.3 billion pandemic stimulus package
Ardern acknowledged the bans will have an impact on the economy but it was needed to stop the spread of the virus.
“If we slow down COVID-19, if we break it into small waves of cases rather than the overwhelming numbers experienced in other countries, that is how we help our jobs and economy too,” she said.
BOOKMARK THIS: Our comprehensive coverage of the novel coronavirus and its developments
Download our app or subscribe to our Telegram channel for the latest updates on the COVID-19 outbreak: https://cna.asia/telegram
More Stories
Using Social Media As a Communication Tool During Disaster Recovery
How Recording Your Consulting Sessions Can Help You to Work Less and Get Paid More
Active Inquiry in Organizational Change