Covid19: New Zealand suspends entry for travellers from India

New Zealand to temporarily suspend travel entry from India, including New Zealand's nationals and residents, amidst a surge in the number of coronavirus cases arriving from India, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Thursday.

The move comes after 17 of the 23 new cases reported in the borders had arrived from India. Ardern said at a press conference in Aucklandthat the temporary suspension will be effective from April 11 until April 28 and that the government will examine risks put forwardby other Covid hotspot countries.

"This is not a permanent arrangement, but a temporary measure,"said Ardern,adding that she understands the difficulty the suspension causes travellers."But I also feel a sense of responsibility and commitment to finding ways to reduce the risk to travellers."

New Zealand has effectively eradicated the virus to an extent within its borders and for about 40 days now there has not beenany reports of local community transmission, local media reported.