Australia, New Zealand consider 'trans-Tasman bubble'
May 5, 2020
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern attended Australia’s cabinet meeting on coronavirus, where both the nations discussed opening travel and economic ties.
Image: Getty Images/AFP/M. Melville
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Neighboring countries Australia and New Zealand are planning to open up their borders for a "trans-Tasman travel bubble,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed on Tuesday.
Ardern was addressing a press conference after attending the Australian cabinet meeting on the coronavirus via video call. She had been invited by Australian PM Scott Morrison for the meeting, to discuss ways that both countries could work together.
The nations had shut their borders for travel in March, to control the virus. This had negatively impacted their respective tourism industries. Now, as the spread of the pandemic seems to be under control, their leaders are looking to end the restrictions.
"We both stand to benefit from getting travel up and running again. Families and friendships span the Tasman," she told reporters, emphasizing that safety would be a priority for both nations.
While the countries are considering opening up trans-Tasman links, opening up international travel is still a long way ahead.
New Zealand reported its second day with no new cases of Covid-19 over a 24-hour period. The country has seen 1,486 cases, with 20 deaths. Australia has had around 6,800 cases, with 96 deaths. Both countries have had a mortality rate of just 1%, and have increased medical equipment reserves.
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No nonsense — Angela Merkel
Germany has made headlines around the world for its handling of the coronavirus outbreak and relatively low mortality rate. The chancellor has been hailed for her straight talk, warning that 60% of people will contract the virus. Merkel broke down how coronavirus measures should be followed to overcome the "greatest challenge" Germany has faced since World War II.
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Developing vaccines — Marylyn Addo
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Preventative measures — Jacinda Ardern
Under Ardern, New Zealand deployed widespread testing and set out some of the toughest border restrictions in the world to prevent an outbreak. On March 14, Ardern announced anyone entering the country would need to self-isolate for two weeks. At the time, New Zealand had six cases. She then banned all visitors from entering and announced a lockdown at 102 confirmed cases and zero deaths.
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Nationwide coronavirus testing — Jung Eun-kyeong
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Paving the way for the EU — Mette Frederiksen
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Quick action — Tsai Ing-wen
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