All arrivals to NZ to self-isolate – PM

14th March 2020 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

All arrivals to New Zealand will have to self-isolate for 14 days and cruise ship visits will be suspended until June.

Prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced the new measures on Saturday afternoon in the latest attempt to slow the spread of Covid-19.

“As of [1am Monday 16 March], every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, will be required to enter self-isolation for 14 days. Everybody,” said Ardern.

“The Pacific is exempted from this measure – they are the only ones.”

The new restriction would be reviewed in 16 days.

“We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas. This helps reduce the risk of a New Zealander bringing Covid-19 back with them,” said Ardern.

New restrictions on cruise travel would also be implemented.

“As of midnight tonight, we are issuing a directive to all cruise ships not to come to New Zealand until at least 30 June 2020 – that applies to incoming cruise ships – at which time, the directive would be reviewed,” said Ardern.

“These measures that we are announcing today are about people, not products. They do not apply to cargo ships, they do not apply to cargo planes, they do not apply to marine or aircrew.

“We know these travel restrictions will place a significant strain on the aviation industry. And we anticipate some routes will reduce or cease for a period of time.

“As such, the Government will work closely with the aviation sector to encourage and support airlines to remain active in New Zealand so that we can rebound from the restrictions quickly and not have significant impacts on our tourism sector, exports and economy.”

Finance minister Grant Robertson would announce an economic response, including the business continuity package, on Tuesday.

The Government would also produce guidelines on self-isolation and mass gatherings next week.

To date, only arrivals from Italy and South Korea have had to self-isolate upon landing in New Zealand, with travel bans in place for those coming from China and Iran.