New Zealand suspends bubble to NSW

New Zealand will suspend the trans-Tasman bubble to NSW for two days starting on Friday. The country’s COVID response minister, Chris Hipkins, said it wasn’t a decision taken lightly, and New Zealand could lift the temporary ban early depending on how the situation plays out. “We will keep that under constant review during that time,” said Hipkins. “Obviously if more information comes to light during that time that gives us more confidence, we could lift that restriction earlier and reserve the ability to do that. We indicated when we opened up the trans-Tasman travel bubble that we would continue to be cautious.” The ‘pause’ will affect at least six flights from Sydney to Auckland, including Qantas flight QF143, due to depart at 9am tomorrow. It follows NSW recording two community cases of COVID over the last two days. The cases have been serologically linked to a case at the border, raising hopes the infection hasn’t spread too far.<br/>