New Zealand: Government to bar entry to all travelers from mainland China February 3 /update 1

Event

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Sunday, February 2, that all foreign nationals traveling from, or transiting through mainland China will be temporarily banned from entering New Zealand as of Monday, February 3, to limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The travel ban will remain in place until at least Sunday, February 16. All other travelers to New Zealand will be subject to increased screening measures. New Zealand nationals and permanent residents returning from China will still be able to enter the country, but will be required to self-isolate for 14 days after arrival. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also raised the alert level for travel to mainland China to "Do not travel."

An official at Air New Zealand reportedly confirmed on Saturday, February 1, that the airline will suspend flight operations to Shanghai from Sunday, February 9, through Sunday, March 29. A government official said that there have been no confirmed cases of the virus in New Zealand as of February 2.

Further international spread of the 2019-nCoV virus is to be expected over the coming days and weeks.

Context

The first case of 2019-nCoV was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan. Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in more than 25 countries and territories worldwide. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed in Germany, Japan, the US, and Vietnam. Virus screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On January 30, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the ongoing novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak is a "public health emergency of international concern."

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Potentially impacted travelers are advised to monitor the situation, confirm travel itineraries, and adhere to all instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments. Individuals are advised to take precautionary measures to reduce their risk of contracting the virus:

• Avoid all contact with animals (dead or alive); avoid eating animal products that are undercooked; avoid all markets where animals are sold

• Avoid all close contact with people displaying symptoms of the disease (e.g. difficulties breathing)

• Frequently wash hands, wear a face mask

• Individuals within China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to seek medical attention, avoid contact with other people, and wash hands regularly

• Adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments

• Travelers returning from China developing symptoms of pneumonia are advised to call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to avoid spread of the disease