New Zealand pauses bubble to Victoria

New Zealand has paused the trans-Tasman bubble to Victoria for at least four days starting on Friday. The new rules mean anyone who has been in the Australian state from 1.59am (NZT) on 16 July cannot cross the Tasman regardless of where they catch their flight. It comes after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced on Thursday afternoon that the state would head into a five-day snap lockdown, after cases rose to 16. Already 1500 primary close contacts have been asked to fully isolate. The country’s COVID-response minister, Chris Hipkins, said “As with previous pauses, we acknowledge the frustration and inconvenience that comes with any interruption to Trans Tasman travel, but given the ongoing level of uncertainty around transmission in Melbourne, this is the right action to take. It is also in keeping with our consistently cautious approach to prevent COVID-19 entering the New Zealand community.”<br/>