Q&A: Travel restrictions - what we know
PRIME Minister Jacinda Ardern announced a range of travel restrictions yesterday afternoon to slow the spread of coronavirus, with six confirmed cases in the country.
SO WHAT ARE THE NEW RULES?
Every person entering New Zealand from anywhere in the world will be required to selfisolate for 14 days, excluding the Pacific. The new travel restrictions will all be reviewed in 16 days’ time.
The existing travel ban has been retained for China and Iran. Cruise ships are banned from coming to New Zealand, until at least June 30, 2020.
HOW ARE ALL THE PEOPLE COMING INTO NZ GOING TO SELFISOLATE?
The measures to help those in self-isolation will be announced next week.
HOW WILL THIS BE ENFORCED?
Ardern said officials had been instructed to ‘‘step up enforcement of self-isolation through measures such as spot checks’’.
WHAT ABOUT GOING TO BIG EVENTS, LIKE CONCERTS OR FESTIVALS?
There will be a directive on mass gatherings announced early next week, but the advice will be based on the following criteria: * Large numbers of people in close proximity
* Events where people are more likely to be in physical contact * Events where participants have travelled from overseas
* And non-ticketed events, where for instance there is no seat allocation making it difficult to contact trace.
SHOULD I GO OVERSEAS?
The prime minister encouraged New Zealanders to avoid all nonessential travel overseas. In addition, from this morning, no cruise ships can come to New Zealand until at least June 30, 2020. This does not apply to cargo ships or cargo planes or to marine or air crew, and the Government will be working to keep sea and air freight routes open for imports and exports.
WHAT ABOUT THE AIRLINES?
The Government will work with the aviation sector to encourage airlines to remain active in New Zealand, limit impacts on the tourism sector and exporters. Air New Zealand said it was offering fare flexibility for customers by the restrictions. Customers with international flights affected by coronavirus government-imposed restrictions due to depart up until March 31, 2020, will be eligible to hold the value of their fare in credit for 12 months from the time of ticket purchase or receive a refund or amend the date of their flight without change fees.
Full details of the company’s fare flexibility policy regarding coronavirus is on the Travel Alerts page.
WHAT’S GOING TO HAPPEN AT THE BORDER?
Strict new health measures at the border for people departing to the Pacific. This includes:
* No travel for people who have travelled outside of New Zealand in the past 14 days
* No travel for close or casual contacts of a confirmed case
* No travel for anyone who is symptomatic
* Health assessment including temperature check
The prime minister said the combination of restricting the virus coming here and isolating it when it does are two of the most important steps we can take to avoid community outbreak.
WHAT ABOUT THE ECONOMY?
The best protection for the economy is containing the virus, the prime minister said.
‘‘A widespread outbreak will hurt our economy far more in the long run than short-term measures to prevent a mass outbreak occurring.
‘‘These measures, while disruptive, are needed to make the space we need as a nation to prepare and manage the spread of Covid-19.’’
WHAT CAN I DO?
Everyone can play their part and follow simple hygiene protocols. * Wash your hands
* If you don’t need to travel overseas, don’t
* If you’re sick, stay home
* If you sneeze, do it into your elbow
* Stop handshakes, hugs, and hongi
* Be mindful of older citizens in your life. Check in on them, but if you’re sick, keep your distance.