FIRST PERSON WARNED

WELLINGTON: Customs has issued its first warning to a traveller not providing a negative Covid19 test before departing for New Zealand.

All arrivals from the United States and United Kingdom are now required to provide a negative result 72 hours before departure.

A Customs spokesman told RNZ that the person was leaving the UK under an ‘‘emergency situation’’ and received the warning.

The spokesman said Customs is currently taking an ‘‘educational approach’’ to people arriving without evidence of a predeparture tests.

From January 29, fines of up to $1000 can be issued for arriving without a negative test.

Soon travellers from nearly all countries will have to provide a negative Covid19 test before arriving in New Zealand under tough new rules announced on Tuesday.

Covid19 Recovery Minister Chris Hipkins said he had authorised the Directorgeneral of health to introduce the requirement to cover all countries apart from Australia, the Antarctic and some Pacific nations.

‘‘New Zealand already has some of the most stringent border protection measures in the world. Today's amendments further strengthen that position in line with the Government's overall elimination strategy,’’ Mr Hipkins said.

Children under 2 will be exempt from the predeparture test, as will travellers who can provide a medical certificate showing they have recovered from a past case of Covid19 and are considered no longer infectious.

Mr Hipkins said the 72hour time period for testing could be extended for another 24 hours if a person's flight was delayed or cancelled, or test results were not returned in time. — RNZ