Coronavirus: New Zealand brings in 'world's toughest border restrictions' to fight outbreak

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Coronavirus: New Zealand brings in 'world's toughest border restrictions' to fight an outbreak

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says "unprecedented decisions" have been made in "unprecedented circumstances". 

New Zealand will require everyone arriving in the country to isolate themselves for 14 days in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.

New Zealand has just six confirmed cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the virus.

But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the new rules, which come in from midnight Sunday local time, will mean New Zealand has the toughest restrictions in the world.

In other developments across the world:

• Mass gatherings in the UK will be banned from next week under plans being drawn up by ministers
• The London Marathon is among a number of sporting events canceled
• US President Donald Trump has declared the outbreak a national emergency

In comments reported by Radio NZ, she said: "Cabinet made far-reaching and unprecedented decisions today because these are unprecedented circumstances.

"As of midnight Sunday every person entering New Zealand, including returning New Zealand citizens and residents, will be required to enter self-isolation for 14 days - everybody."

However, she added that there would be an exemption for Pacific islands, with arrivals from that region required to isolate themselves only if they show any virus symptoms.