(Bloomberg) -- New Zealand's government has advised citizens not to travel overseas due to the coronavirus and said those already offshore should consider coming home immediately.
“We are raising our travel advice to the highest level: do not travel,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said in a statement. “This is the first time the New Zealand government has advised New Zealanders against traveling anywhere overseas. That reflects the seriousness of the situation we are facing with COVID-19.”
Peters also urged all New Zealanders currently traveling overseas to consider returning home immediately.
“Borders are closing. You may not be able to return to New Zealand when you had planned to. You should therefore organize to come home now,” he said. “If you choose to remain overseas despite our advice, the ability of the New Zealand government to provide consular assistance may be limited due to internal travel restrictions and the suspension of services.”
Those New Zealanders who are long-term residents outside New Zealand will need to consider their personal circumstances and do what is best for them and their family, Peters said.
©2020 Bloomberg L.P.
Essential Business Intelligence, Continuous LIVE TV, Sharp Market Insights, Practical Personal Finance Advice and Latest Stories — On NDTV Profit.
