Checkpoint for Thursday 19 March 2020

5:10 PM.Air New Zealand has closed flights in London and time is running out for New Zealanders to get home as the government now restricts public gatherings indoors to 100 in a bid to curb the spread of… Read more Video, Audio

5:13 PM.Any indoor gathering of more than 100 people is banned from today, the latest measure in the fight against Covid-19.

The new directive does not apply to schools, workplaces, supermarkets, or public… Read more Audio

5:15 PM.For the first time, the government has raised its travel advice to the highest level, urging New Zealanders not to travel overseas due to Covid-19.

Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters says anyone… Read more Audio

5:20 PM.Director-General of Health Ashley Bloomfield talks to Lisa Owen about the latest developments as Covid-19 cases in New Zealand reach 28 people. Read more Video, Audio

5:35 PM.News from the business sector, including a market report. Video, Audio

5:40 PM.Businesses in Rotorua who have lost almost all of their revenue as a result of Covid-19 say the government's stimulus package will mean they can keep key staff over the coming months. Read more Audio

5:44 PM.Plans to halt all border fee increases has been welcomed by the aviation industry as part of a $600 million bailout for the sector.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford revealed details of the relief… Read more Audio

5:49 PM.Schools throughout New Zealand are trialling students studying from home in preparation for a possible nationwide lockdown.

Auckland Grammar has been rolling out trials to put each year group and its… Read more Video, Audio

5:53 PM.New Zealanders arriving back in the country from overseas have described the border checks for Covid-19 as "pathetic" - and want more scrutiny for those headed home.

Everyone flying home is now… Read more Audio

6:05 PM.The prime minister has confirmed that the New Zealand border will be closed to anyone who is not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident from 11.59pm on Thursday night. Read more Video, Audio

6:15 PM.Health correspondent Rowan Quinn and political editor Jane Patterson join Lisa Owen with their analysis of the announcement that the New Zealand border will be closed to non-resident and non-citizens… Read more Video, Audio