Australia, New Zealand Close Borders To Non-Citizens

The Guardian reports:

Australia and New Zealand’s borders will be shut to anyone who is not a citizen or resident, in an escalation of both countries’ efforts to tackle the coronavirus.

“At no time in New Zealand’s history has a power like this been used, and I recognise how extraordinary it is,” New Zealand’s prime minister, Jacinda Ardern said on Thursday. “We need to do this for the health of the country, and our people.”

New Zealand’s ban begins at midnight on Thursday. Australia’s begins at 9pm local time on Friday. In New Zealand the ban will apply to all countries and nationalities, but the partners and children of New Zealanders would still be allowed in. Those bringing in freight on ships or planes will also be exempt.