New Zealand will soon require that travelers from most countries show negative coronavirus tests before they leave for New Zealand.
COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins says New Zealand is in a fortunate position to have stamped out community spread of the virus, but takes nothing for granted.
The new rules will require travelers to have a negative test within 72 hours of departure.
The rules will be imposed on travelers from the U.S. and the U.K. beginning Friday and most other countries soon after. Travelers from Australia and some Pacific nations will be exempted.
Until now, New Zealand has relied on placing new arrivals into a mandatory two-week quarantine.
