Australia temporarily halts flights from New Zealand
Australia has halted trans-Tasman flights to New Zealand for at least 72 hours after a more contagious variant of Covid-19 was detected in a traveller.
NZ health authorities said a woman tested positive for the South African variant even after completing a 14-day quarantine on return to New Zealand.
Officials believe the source is likely from a fellow returnee quarantining at Auckland’s Pullman Hotel, where the woman was staying.
The woman left quarantine on January 13 and started developing symptoms two days later.
As a result, Australia has stopped the ‘green zone’ one-way quarantine free travel arrangements with New Zealand.
Anyone arriving in Australia from New Zealand since January 14 has been asked to get tested and to quarantine, said Health Minister Greg Hunt.
"This will be done out of an abundance of caution whilst more is learnt about the event and the case," Hunt said.
"It is recommended all passengers from New Zealand with a flight scheduled in the next 72 hours, reconsider their need to travel."
Air New Zealand is contacting customers booked on affected flights from Auckland tto Brisbane, Melbourne, Sydney.
The airline said it will impact five flights.
"I was advised late this afternoon of Australia’s decision by the Prime Minister. I advised him that we have confidence in our systems and processes, but it is Australia’s decision as to how they manage their borders," said New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern.
Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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