Greg Hunt plays down impact of NZ case on travel bubble

The trans-Tasman travel bubble will not be derailed despite New Zealand suffering a COVID-19 case just days after it was announced, the federal Health Minister says.

NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed this week a long-awaited travel bubble would begin on April 19, allowing Australians to travel freely across the Tasman.

But a new COVID-19 case in New Zealand on Thursday raised questions about whether the plan would go ahead.

Health Minister Greg Hunt played down those fears on Thursday, describing New Zealand as a “global exemplar” in containing outbreaks and confirming the advice remained unchanged.

“New Zealand has an outstanding record … We have confidence as a government in the New Zealand government’s approach,” he said.

Camera IconGreg Hunt has played down concerns over the NZ travel bubble despite a COVID-19 case being recorded in Auckland. NCA NewsWire / Sarah Matray Credit: News Corp Australia

“But we have full independence and authority, which we provided to the chief medical officer, to provide frank and fearless recommendations. So where we’ve had to take steps, we have.”

NZ authorities confirmed one case of community transmission on Thursday, a 24-year-old man who worked as a security guard at a hotel quarantine facility in Auckland…

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From PerthNow - April 8, 2021