NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER JACINDA ARDERN SAID THAT EVERYONE ENTERING THE COUNTRY FROM MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY MUST SELF-ISOLATE FOR 14 DAYS TO CONTAIN THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS.

People from small South Pacific island countries, which currently have no reported cases, will be exempted, Ardern said in a news conference. New Zealand has a large South Pacific islander population.

All cruise ships will also be told not to come to New Zealand until June 30, she said. New Zealand has six confirmed cases and has not recorded any deaths as yet.

“Alongside Israel and a small number of Pacific islands who have effectively closed their borders, this decision will mean New Zealand will have the widest-ranging and toughest border restrictions of any country in the world,” Ms. Ardern said.

“We are also encouraging New Zealanders to avoid all non-essential travel overseas. This helps reduce the risk of a New Zealander bringing COVID-19 back with them.”