https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6678504/new-zealand-enforces-mandatory-qu...March 14 2020 - 4:51PM
New Zealand enforces mandatory quarantine
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has announced the "toughest border restrictions of any country in the world",
enforcing
mandatory self-isolation on international arrivals, including Kiwi citizens.After an emergency Cabinet meeting on Saturday afternoon, Ms Ardern declared the unprecedented measure to fight the growing spread of the coronavirus.
"We do not take these decisions lightly," she said.
"We have two choices as a nation.
"One is to let COVID-19 roll on. The other is to go hard on measures to stamp it out. It is in our power to slow it down.
"That's why we must go hard, and go early, and do everything we can to protect New Zealanders' health."
The decision effectively kills the country's tourism sector and will deliver a hammer blow to the economy.
But given the global pandemic, unprecedented in modern times, the restriction was met with support from the opposition National party.
"It's good to see coronavirus being treated with more seriousness and urgency for the good of our country," National leader Simon Bridges said on Twitter.
The measure will take effect as of midnight Sunday, and apply to every arrival except from Pacific countries - a region that is largely devoid of COVID-19 cases.
There are also exemptions for cargo ships, marine and air crew to allow the free passage of goods in and out of New Zealand.
A ban on foreign travellers from mainland China and Iran will be maintained.
The mass quarantine protocol will be reviewed after 16 days.
Ms Ardern has also placed a ban on foreign cruise ships docking at New Zealand ports until the end of June.
And next week, the government will announce a directive on public gatherings, expected to be similar to the Australian government's ban on
Self Isolation:
https://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/covid-19-novel-coron...