AUSTRALIA and New Zealand today moved to seal off their borders, announcing unprecedented bans on entry for non-residents in the hope of stemming the rise in Covid-19 infections.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the ban on anyone who is not a citizen or permanent resident coming to Australia “will be in place from 9pm tomorrow”.

A similar measure was announced by his New Zealand counterpart, Jacinda Ardern, who said: “I recognise how extraordinary this is. In no time in New Zealand’s history has a power like this been used.”

The countries have announced a slew of restrictions to tackle the pandemic, but have so far stopped short of closing schools or instituting wider-ranging lockdowns.

Policymakers hope the bans will slow the rate of infection enough to avoid more draconian measures that would cripple the two economies and transform life for months to come.

Australia has 642 confirmed coronavirus cases, with the total doubling roughly every three days. New Zealand has 28.

Morrison said about 80% of Australia’s cases came from “someone who has contracted the virus overseas or someone who has had direct contact with someone who has returned from overseas”.

A recent opinion poll showed that 69% of Australians back closing the border.

Ardern said the measures will also ban visa holders.

“Today’s decision stops any tourist or temporary visa holder, such as students or temporary workers, from coming to and entering New Zealand.” – AFP, March 19, 2020.