New Zealand ‘Strict’ Border Controls Doesn’t Affect Travel Arrangements

 New Zealand’s PM has said nearly everyone entering the country from midnight on Sunday must self-isolate to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

People will be asked to self-quarantine in their own homes for a period of 14 days.

Jacinda Ardern said the new measure also included returning New Zealanders from all countries with the only exemption being travellers from small Pacific islands with no confirmed virus cases.

“I make no apologies. This is an unprecedented time,” Ms Ardern said, describing the new rules as the strictest in the world as NZ tries to contain th

It was not clear from the public notices how the process of self-quarantine would be monitired.

Last night Samoa issued its own new border restrictions, albeit with some confusion, listing 33 countries that required 14 days of self-quarantine “at a port of last stop”. The new list now includes Australia and USA.

• SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR COUNTRIES LISTED ABOVE
  I. MUST PROVIDE proof of test results done within 5 days for the Coronavirus (COVID-2019).
  II. ALL travelers with COVID-19 positive test will NOT be allowed to enter Samoa
  III. ALL MUST spend at least 14 days self-quarantine at country of last port and must have a Medical Clearance within (3) days prior to arrival into Samoa. This must be their final stop before travelling to Samoa.
  IV. In the event you arrive and have NOT satisfied the above three requirements, YOU WILL BE RETURNED to the coun

New Zealand has six confirmed cases and has recently suspended the Super Rugby Competition. Speaking at Saturday’s news briefing, Ms Ardern said the new restrictions would be reviewed by the authorities in 16 days.

Prime Minister Ardern also said that no cruise liners would be allowed to dock in New Zealand’s ports until 30 June.

The public are asked to contact the following numbers in Samoa for more information:

For more information contact Tagaloa Dr. Robert Thomsen on Phone: (685) 66503 / 7676015 or Email: robertt@health.gov.ws or Dr Sarah Brown email: sarahb@health.gov.ws

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