The Australian government has suspended its travel bubble with New Zealand for 72 hours after the discovery of a concerning South African coronavirus variant.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the "green zone" travel allowance would be suspended immediately after a person in New Zealand was found to be infected with the variant.
Many New Zealanders entering Australia will now have to undergo hotel quarantine for a minimum of 72 hours and up to 14 days, depending on the relevant state's current restrictions, and be tested.
Acting chief health officer Michael Kidd said the South African variant had been confirmed on Monday following rapid gene sequencing.
"This new variant is more transmissible and presents a heightened level of risk," Dr Kidd said.
"It's been reported so far in at least 13 countries and this had included among 13 people who have been in hotel quarantine in Australia."
The action was taken on advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.
Mr Hunt said the COVID-19 case in New Zealand was a "significant case of concern".
"This will be done out of an abundance of caution whilst more is learnt about the event and the case. The changes come into effect, as I say, immediately," he told reporters.
New Zealand Health authorities on Monday revealed a 56-year-old woman had tested positive for the virus after completing her 14-day isolation after arrival in the country.
The woman had returned two negative tests while in her compulsory hotel stay, and was released on 13 January.
Mr Hunt said anyone who has travelled to Australia from New Zealand since 14 January should remain at home in isolation and arrange to get tested.
"We apologise to those who may be inconvenienced. This has been taken on the basis of strong, clear, immediate medical advice," he said.
He added all New Zealanders should "reconsider" there need to travel to Australia during the 72-hour window.
The travel bubble had allowed New Zealanders to travel into Australia without undergoing quarantine requirement if they had not been in a designated hotspot, since October.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has spoken with his NZ counterpart Jacinda Ardern about the change and border authorities are communicating with passengers.
Mr Hunt said the Australian government had confidence in New Zealand's contact tracing system to respond to the case identified.
"There have been challenges. They are one of the world's best contact tracing systems. They are doing outstandingly well," he said.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your jurisdiction's restrictions on gathering limits. If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. News and information is available in 63 languages at
Please check the relevant guidelines for your state or territory: , , , , , , ,
