New Zealand has paused the ‘green flights’ which were set to begin from 11:59 pm tonight, minister Hipkins announced at a last-minute press conference on Friday afternoon.
Anyone coming into New Zealand from New South Wales will now have to isolate at MIQ for 14 days. The government will be working to free up 1,000 rooms in managed isolation for returnees. There will be no fee for these people staying in MIQ.
Sydney reported 44 new locally-acquired cases today, and authorities have tightened restrictions in response.
Hipkins admits the decision to pause the green flights was a “last-minute” call and a response to the growing number of cases in Sydney.
“Clearly there is an escalating risk,” says Hipkins. “I’m sorry that people will find themselves in this situation….we won’t be resuming green flights until the risk is contained.”
Hipkins says travellers should expect to hear from their airlines within the next 24 hours for further details.