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Wellington New Zealand has closed its border to Australia, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Friday, as the neighbouring country was struggling to contain new Covid-19 outbreaks.
The so-called Trans-Tasman travel bubble began on April 19 and allowed Australians and New Zealanders to travel between the two countries without the need to quarantine.
However, Ardern said the Delta variant had “materially changed the risk profile” and Covid-19 is now widespread in Australia.
“We’ve always said that our response would evolve as the virus evolved. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is the right decision to keep New Zealanders safe.” The prime minister said New Zealand’s border would close from midnight Friday and would remain closed for at least eight weeks. (dpa)
The so-called Trans-Tasman travel bubble began on April 19 and allowed Australians and New Zealanders to travel between the two countries without the need to quarantine.
However, Ardern said the Delta variant had “materially changed the risk profile” and Covid-19 is now widespread in Australia.
“We’ve always said that our response would evolve as the virus evolved. This is not a decision we have taken lightly, but it is the right decision to keep New Zealanders safe.” The prime minister said New Zealand’s border would close from midnight Friday and would remain closed for at least eight weeks. (dpa)
