Australia, NZ, ban non-resident arrivals over coronavirus outbreak

Australia and New Zealand became the latest countries to ban all non-resident arrivals in an unprecedented move to contain the spread of coronavirus.

"A travel ban will be placed on all non-residents, non-Australian citizens coming to Australia, and that will be in place from 9:00 p.m. tomorrow evening," Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced in a televised briefing in Canberra on Thursday, adding "the overwhelming proportion of cases in Australia have been imported."

On the same day, New Zealand announced the same measure. New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she's not willing to tolerate risk at the country's border and wants the coronavirus infections to slow down. The ban will enter into effect on Thursday at midnight in the country.