Australia and New Zealand ban foreigners from entering amid coronavirus crisis

Australia and New Zealand closed their borders to all foreigners as the countries ramped up their response to the coronavirus crisis.

Australia has recorded around 600 coronavirus infections and six deaths, a relatively small number compared to other countries, but officials are growing increasingly concerned about the prospect of an exponential rise in cases.

With the majority of the cases originating overseas, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Thursday all non-Australian residents would be barred from entering the country from 9pm on Friday.

“For the next six months we need to work together,” Mr Morrison told Australians in a televised news conference. “We do need to moderate our behaviour and understand things need to change.”

Mr Morrison’s office said the ban would remain indefinitely. He added that the government was working to keep some flights open, as national carrier Qantas and other airlines drastically cut or abandon international operations, to bring Australians home.

In neighbouring New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced the same measure almost simultaneously, with the ban on foreign arrivals there beginning on Thursday evening.

She told a press conference that citizens and permanent residents can still return, but their options are running out as many commercial airlines are cancelling flights.

“I’m not willing to tolerate risk at our borders,” Ms Ardern told a media conference.

“Today’s decision stops any tourist, or temporary visa holder such as students or temporary workers, from coming to and entering into New Zealand,” the prime minister said.

New Zealand so far has 28 cases of coronavirus infection, but no deaths. Globally, total infections have crossed the 200,000 mark while more than 8,000 people have died.

The announcement came shortly after neighbouring Australia also placed a travel ban on non-residents and non-citizens.

Ms Ardern said New Zealanders’ partners, legal guardians or any dependent children travelling with them may return. She also said people who have already boarded and on their way will still be able to land.

The new border restrictions also apply to South Pacific countries, which were previously exempted from some travel restrictions.