Temporary travel restrictions will remain in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus COVID-19, the Minister of Health announced today.
The restrictions have been extended for another 8 days.
The restrictions prevent foreign nationals travelling from or transiting through mainland China entering New Zealand.
"New Zealand has not yet had a confirmed case of COVID-19 but this continues to be an evolving situation," Health Minister Dr David Clark said in a statement.
New Zealand citizens, residents and their immediate family can return to New Zealand, but have to self isolate for 14 days.
"Our border response is in line with Australia, the US and a range of other countries.
"It is a responsible approach to assist international efforts to contain this disease, and to protect New Zealand and the Pacific Islands.
"Imposing travel restrictions is not a decision that was taken lightly, but in the end this is a matter of public health."
Customs has had to deploy an extra thirteen staff daily at Auckland Airport alone to cope with the increased manual processing of passengers while the ban's been in place.
This morning, in the Auckland suburb of Albany, a St John paramedic decked out in a hazmat suit was videoed ushering a female into an ambulance.
1 News understands the family is in self isolation.
Health Minister David Clark downplayed concerns.
"I've been advised that case doesn't meet the test of being a suspected case," he said.
The Ministry of Health today said that about 4000 Kiwis are currently self-isolating.
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