Bubble decision today

Any decision on a full pause of the transtasman bubble is likely to be announced today as Covid-19 cases in Australia continue to climb.

Cabinet ministers met yesterday to discuss “travel arrangements with Australia, given the situation there”, a spokesman said.

The meeting was understood to be a full Cabinet meeting, which went ahead despite many ministers being on leave — including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson.

Half of Australia’s population is in lockdown and New South Wales reported 124 cases yesterday — the biggest daily tally since the latest Delta outbreak began.

On Wednesday Covid Response Minister Chris Hipkins said about half of the arrivals from Australia were being checked for a negative predeparture test, and about 100 had been caught without one. He has previously said being caught and sent to MIQ for two weeks was a disincentive for skipping a test.

Before yesterday’s meeting, the Government had intended to update the travel pauses for NSW, South Australia and Victoria next Tuesday.