Australia suspends travel bubble with New Zealand for at least 72 hours

Australia is suspending its green zone travel bubble with New Zealand for at least 72 hours out of an “abundance of caution”.

Health Minister Greg Hunt said the federal government had received advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee of a “significant case of concern” in New Zealand regarding the South African variant.

“The possibility that that may lead to a transmission event, and out of an abundance of caution, the AHPPC has recommended to the government … that there should be a suspension,” he told reporters on Monday.

“This will be done out of an abundance of caution whilst more is learnt about the event and the case.”

Mr Hunt said the suspension would begin immediately.

“Anyone who has arrived in Australia on a flight from New Zealand on or since January 14 is asked to isolate and arrange to be tested, and to remain in isolation until they have a negative test,” he said.

“We apologise to those who may be inconvenienced. This has been taken on the basis of strong, clear, immediate medical advice.”

More to come.

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