New Zealand pauses travel bubble with Victoria over new COVID cases

By MiNDFOOD

New Zealand pauses travel bubble with Victoria over new COVID cases

Quarantine-free travel from Victoria to New Zealand will be paused while the source of infection for new cases in Melbourne is investigated.

The pause is set to come into force from 7.59pm NZ time and will be in place for 72 hours initially. The pause will be under constant review.

Five new cases of COVID-19 have been announced in Melbourne in the past two days.

COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said in a statement that New Zealand officials have decided to take “the most cautious option” of pausing the travel bubble as “there are still several unknowns with the outbreak”.

“The Government understands the disruption this will temporarily cause affected passengers. It was a close call but the correct one given the current unknowns. The decision follows the travel bubble framework,” the statement said.

It comes as Victoria prepares to reimpose coronavirus restrictions from tonight, limiting the size of gatherings and requiring the use of face coverings indoors.

Information about locations of interest are provided on the Victoria Health website and are being updated regularly.

Anyone in New Zealand who has been at a location of interest in Melbourne at the specified time should contact Healthline on 0800 358 5453 as soon as possible for advice on isolating and testing. 

Anyone who has visited Melbourne since 11 May should monitor for symptoms and seek advice from Healthline if any symptoms develop. 

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