New Zealand extends ban on China arrivals

Monday, 24 February 2020 09:12

New Zealand has extended its ban on travellers arriving from China, amidst efforts to block exposure to the coronavirus.

The ban, which is being reviewed every 48 hours, has been extended for another eight days.

During a press conference, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said there are no plans to widen the ban to other countries.

Despite no confirmed infections, she said it was highly likely the virus would eventually arrive in New Zealand.

Meanwhile, South Korea, which has seen a spike in cases, has become the biggest coronavirus centre outside China.

It reported 161 more coronavirus cases on Monday, taking the nationwide total to 763. Two more people had died, taking the toll to seven.

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