In a bid to protect its citizens, New Zealand has become the latest country to declare a month-long lockdown which will begin on Wednesday night. The move will see the entire country forced to remain in their homes apart from those working in essential services. The country’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern said in an address to the nation that she was not willing to put the lives of her citizens in danger.
However, their website also says that the New Zealand government is recommending everyone travelling in New Zealand should consider returning home.
If there is no option to return home and Air New Zealand cannot assist then they recommend contacting the “national consulate or embassy in the country you are in”.
The nation has further strengthened its travel restrictions and has closed the border to almost all travellers, apart from New Zealanders.
“Unprecedented call volumes and closure of call centres due to global government restrictions is limiting our capacity to respond as usual.
“Please bear with us.”
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) has said that a number of international flights to and from New Zealand have been suspended.
The FCO is advising British Nationals already in New Zealand to contact their airline, travel provider, and insurance company for the latest information.
They also said that those who want to return to the UK soon should take account of the fast moving situation and plan accordingly.
