China-linked visitors face ban

New Zealand is placing temporary entry restrictions on all foreign nationals travelling from, or transiting through, mainland China to assist with the containment of the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has also raised its travel advice to New Zealanders for all of mainland China to ‘‘Do not travel’’, the highest level.

‘‘Cabinet convened last night to discuss the most up-to-date public health advice and recent developments in the spread of the virus,’’ Ardern said yesterday.

‘‘We have been advised by health officials that while there are still a range of unknowns in the way the virus is being transmitted, we should take a precautionary approach and temporarily stop travel into New Zealand from mainland China, and of people who have recently been in China.

‘‘It is critically important that we both protect New Zealanders from the virus and play our part in the global effort to contain it.’’

The restrictions will take effect from today and be in place for up to 14 days. This position would be reviewed every 48 hours.

Any foreign travellers who leave or transit through mainland China from now would be refused entry to New Zealand. Any foreign travellers in transit to New Zealand yesterday will be subject to enhanced screening on arrival but, pending clearance, will be granted entry to New Zealand.

New Zealand citizens and permanent residents returning to New Zealand will still be able to enter, as will their immediate family members, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days on arrival back in the country.

Flights suspended

As the Government announced the travel restrictions, Air New Zealand said it would suspend its Auckland-Shanghai route with immediate effect. Yesterday’s NZ288 service (Shanghai to Auckland) was the airline’s final service until March 29.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and standards officer Captain David Morgan said the suspension had been brought forward following increased border restrictions.

Flight to Wuhan

Meanwhile, an Air NZ charter flight is on track to evacuate dozens of New Zealanders, Pacific Islanders and Australian citizens from Wuhan in coming days, Health Minister Dr David Clark said.

‘‘We are now ready to bring New Zealand citizens home.’’

The flight could take up to 300 people. More than 60 New Zealanders had indicated they want to be on the flight and the remainder would be nationals from Tonga, Samoa and Australia, he said.

Final timing of the flight and passenger details are still to be confirmed, in consultation with Chinese authorities.

New Zealanders and Pacific Island citizens would be transported to a military facility at Whangapara¯oa, where they will spend 14 days in isolation.