New Zealand Prime Minister Hints at Ban on Korean Entry, "Possibility Not Ruled Out"

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern
[Photo by EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghyun Choi] New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern stated on the 6th that travel restrictions on South Korea and the northern region of Italy may be strengthened in response to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

After the fourth confirmed COVID-19 case was reported in New Zealand that day, when asked by local New Zealand media whether restrictions on South Korea and northern Italy might be further tightened, Prime Minister Ardern responded, "I do not rule it out."

She said, "We are closely monitoring the figures related to COVID-19," adding, "Currently, we require self-isolation for people coming from South Korea or the northern region of Italy, which is having a significant impact on those entering New Zealand, and many flights have also been reduced."

She further explained, "We review entry and exit restrictions daily based on the scientific evidence we obtain."

New Zealand temporarily banned entry of foreigners coming from China on the 2nd of last month, and last week decided to extend this measure to Iran as well.

If New Zealand strengthens travel restrictions on South Korea, it is expected that foreigners coming from South Korea will also be temporarily banned from entering, similar to the measures for China and Iran.

Currently, New Zealand requires people coming from South Korea and the northern region of Italy to report to health authorities and self-isolate for 14 days.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.