Rise of the virus: New Zealand suspends “bubble” with Western Australia

New Zealand on Friday halted its open “bubble” with Western Australia, the government announced in Wellington following the appearance of the Govt-19 case in the state.

Other Australian states were not affected by the restrictions, which were announced a few days after the opening of the “bubble” between the two countries, both of which were largely infected with the corona virus.

“According to our bubble protocol, travel between New Zealand and Western Australia has been suspended and government consultations are pending,” the New Zealand government said in a statement on its website.

The move comes after authorities in Western Australia announced three days of health restrictions in the Perth and Peel areas, which are set to begin at midnight, due to a passenger who tested positive for the corona virus.

The new restrictions were decided “following a favorable case for a person isolated in a hotel and active in the community”, officials in Western Australia said on their website.

According to local media, a 50-year-old man who took the Perth-Melbourne flight on Wednesday had a positive test earlier on Friday.

He isolated himself in a hotel that was legally required, but before he left he was in restaurants, college, doctor and a friend’s house.

“He has been in Perth for almost 5 days and he should be treated as a victim,” Western Australian Prime Minister Mark McGowan told a news conference.

On April 18, New Zealand and Australia decided to allow travel between the two countries without mandatory isolation.

Other Australian states and territories that may still inhabit New Zealand under the “bubble” arrangement have decided to restrict those coming from Western Australia.