Australia and New Zealand Also Implement Entry Ban for Overseas Residents

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Australia and New Zealand have imposed entry bans on non-residents to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). This measure came just one day after they took the drastic step of completely banning their citizens from traveling abroad.

According to local media such as the Sydney Morning Herald on the 19th (local time), Australia will restrict entry for non-residents starting from 9 PM on the 20th to minimize the impact of COVID-19.

Australians and their immediate family members entering Australia from overseas are allowed to enter freely, but they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said, "80% of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Australia are people who were infected overseas or those who had direct contact with people from overseas," adding, "This measure was taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19."

Neighboring New Zealand also imposed restrictions on non-essential overseas travel for its citizens and followed up with entry restrictions on non-residents.

New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated in a press release, "We have raised the risk level for overseas travel to the highest level and decided to impose entry restrictions on non-residents," adding, "This reflects the seriousness of the current situation we face with COVID-19."

Meanwhile, Qantas Airways, Australia's largest airline, announced on the same day that all international flights will be suspended from the end of March to the end of May. This announcement came after the Australian government imposed travel bans on its citizens and entry restrictions on overseas arrivals. As a result, about 20,000 employees, equivalent to two-thirds of Qantas's workforce, are currently on unpaid leave.

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