New Zealand yesterday registered its first case of coronavirus.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the person was believed to be in their sixties, and was a citizen of New Zealand who had recently travelled from Iran via Bali.

They had previously tested negative for coronavirus twice.

Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office Yogesh Karan said while he can not comment regarding the coronavirus status in New Zealand, they will be closely monitor the situation.

On Thursday, Fiji had widened its travel restrictions to prevent an outbreak of coronavirus.

As of yesterday, Fiji’s borders are closed to all foreign nationals who have been in mainland China, Italy and Iran, or in Cheongdo County and Daegu City in South Korea, within 14 days of their intended travel to Fiji.

This follows the travel restriction placed on mainland China which has been in effect since the start of February.

From Monday next week, we will also be screening all international air passengers with handheld temperature scanners and – in two to three weeks’ time – we will have thermal scanners installed at our international airports.

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