New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison during a February press conference in Sydney, Australia. Photo: James D. Morgan/Getty Images
AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Australia and New Zealand announced Thursday they're closing their borders to foreign travelers in response to the novel coronavirus outbreak.
Details: Australian Prime Minster Scott Morrison told a news conference that, effective 9pm Australian Eastern Standard Time Friday, all non-citizens and non-residents would be barred from entering the country. Australians can still return from overseas, but they must self-isolate for 14 days. In New Zealand, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told reporters the same measures would be introduced in the country at 11:59pm local time Thursday. Travelers on planes when the ban comes into effect in New Zealand would still be allowed to enter.