Trans-Tasman travel bubble pause extended for further eight weeks

Brian from New Lynn

The bubble pause was due to expire on Friday, September 24. "Cabinet has agreed to extend this pause for a further eight weeks and this will be reviewed again in mid to late November," he told reporters during a press conference providing the daily Covid-19 case update. "We're announcing this today so that people in Australia can take part in the MIQ room release on Monday and have the opportunity to access the first tranche of around 3000 rooms." Flights from Australia will be available in October and November, he said. A third managed red flight from Australia to New Zealand has also been planned for those in "emergency situations". It follows two earlier red flights allowing New Zealanders to return from Australia on September 5 and 15. The cost for the flight and their stay in MIQ must be covered by the traveller, Robertson said. A pre-departure Covid-19 test will also be required from an accredited laboratory within 72 hours of travel.
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