The New Zealand Prime Minister announced today 27 February 2021 Auckland will go into a lockdown for seven days after a community case with an unknown origin was recorded.
The rest of the country will be put into Level 2 restrictions that limit public gatherings, among other restrictions.
This latest case is related to the Auckland cluster of a variant of concern which currently comprises 13 cases. The case was in the community during their infectious period and may have infected others.
The announcement today followed a review by Australia’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Professor Paul Kelly, of the restriction placed on Green Zone travel between New Zealand and Australia from 24 February 2021. The CMO determined that because of newly reported cases of community transmission in the Auckland area related to this cluster, these arrangements should continue, and will be reviewed regularly over the coming week.
These restrictions do not allow people who have been in Auckland in the previous 14 days from travelling to Australia. Auckland Airport, for the purposes of travel only, is exempt. Normal green flight arrangements can continue for people who have not been in Auckland in the previous 14 days.
Some jurisdictions have implemented arrangements which differ to those above. All travellers are advised to check the arrangements in both their place of arrival and place of final destination before they travel.
Professor Kelly said the situation in New Zealand was of concern and the Australian Government and the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee will continue to work closely with colleagues in the New Zealand Ministry of Health to monitor and assess the public health risk.
Prospective travellers are encouraged to visit www.smarttraveller.gov.au for up-to-date travel information and to check with their state or territory health authority for local travel requirements.
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