19 Mar 2020

Coronavirus: Covid-19 developments in NZ and around the world on 19 March

7:16 pm on 19 March 2020

New Zealand's borders have been closed to everybody who is not a citizen or resident, after another dramatic day in the fight against Covid-19.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed the move earlier this evening, saying it was the first time in New Zealand's history this had ever happened, but she was not willing to take any risks.

Earlier, the Prime Minister told New Zealanders not to panic buy or believe rumours circulating on social media about Covid-19, as the total number of confirmed cases rises to 28.

Addressing the media this afternoon, she said she cannot go around on social media and dismiss every rumour she sees.

Immediately after her announcement, Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield confirmed there were eight new cases of Covid-19 in New Zealand, bringing the total number to 28.

Read more about the Covid-19 coronavirus:

  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs)

For the latest updates:

As Covid-19 spreads around the world, it can be daunting keeping up with the information. For RNZ, our responsibility is to give you verified, up to the minute, trustworthy information to help you make decisions about your lives and your health. We'll also be asking questions of officials and decision makers about how they're responding to the virus. Our aim is to keep you informed.

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