New Zealand pauses travel bubble with NSW after Bondi cluster grows

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New Zealand has paused quarantine-free travel with New South Wales for at least 72 hours while the source of infection of new COVID-19 cases in Sydney is investigated.

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The country’s COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins announced the move this evening amid the growing cluster in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

There were 10 new community cases in NSW today, seven of which will be included in tomorrow’s numbers, bringing the total number of cases in the Bondi cluster to 21.

The travel bubble pause will come into effect from 9.59pm today (11.59pm NZ time) for at least 72 hours.

“As with previous pauses, it will be under constant review,” Mr Hipkins said in a statement.

“This decision follows a public health assessment today which determined that while the overall risk to public health in New Zealand currently remains low, there are still several unknowns, including a case that was infectious while in the Sydney community and a primary school age child with no clear link established at present. 

“The Government is taking a precautionary approach and will review the decision to pause again on Thursday.”

New Zealand health officials have also updated their advice for anyone already in New Zealand who has recently visited Sydney’s Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre, where community transmission of the virus has been as confirmed as occurring.

The NSW pause comes as the travel bubble with Victoria resumes tonight after a run of low case numbers.

Travellers will no longer be required to have a pre-departure test.

However, all travellers are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and check the Victorian Health website for updated locations of interest.

In the past week, there have been no new COVID-19 cases in Victoria with the Delta variant of concern and health officials have determined there is unlikely to be widespread community transmission.

– reported with Stuff

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