Flights between New Zealand and the Australian state of Western Australia can resume as early as Monday after travel was temporarily suspended in and out of Perth.
Three cases of COVID-19 were reported in the city on Saturday, forcing quarantine-free travel to be temporarily suspended. A hotel security guard tested positive and travelled throughout Perth's inner-northern suburbs for several days while potentially infectious. Two people he lives with also caught the virus.
An Air New Zealand flight due to leave Perth on Saturday night was cancelled.
The Ministry of Health says New Zealand and Australian health officials met on Sunday to discuss the public health risk, which is deemed to be "low" to Kiwis.
"While the public health risk is deemed low, we must all remain vigilant as we enjoy the opportunities quarantine-free travel has given us," Director-General of Health Dr Ashley Bloomfield says.
"There are some additional public health measures we require of people who are or have recently been in Western Australia."
Anyone who has been in Perth since April 27 is asked to check the Western Australian government website for locations of interest.
"If you were at a location of interest at a specified time and you are still in Perth and are planning to travel to New Zealand, you are asked to follow the Western Australia health advice regarding isolation and testing on the above website," the Ministry of Health says.
"In addition, anyone who has been at a location of interest cannot travel to New Zealand from Australia within 14 days of exposure. This includes any additional locations of interest that are determined in the coming days and yet to be announced.
"If you have recently arrived in New Zealand from Australia and were in a location of interest at the specified time, please self-isolate immediately and call Healthline on 0800 358 5453 for information on when you should be tested."
Around 750 passengers who travelled either directly or indirectly between Western Australia and New Zealand between April 27 and May 1 are being contacted by the Ministry of Health and being given health advice. The ministry says there may be more passengers identified as contact tracers work with other government agencies to confirm travel histories and contact details.
"The travel bubble allows us to reconnect with our loved ones across the Tasman, but we must still follow basic public health measures. It's important we continue to keep a record of where we have been by scanning QR codes and turning on Bluetooth using the COVID Tracer app, or keep manual diaries. Please continue to maintain personal hygiene measures and if you're unwell please stay home and call Healthline to work out whether you need to get a test," Dr Bloomfield says.
"Both countries have planned for this type of scenario and are following agreed trans-Tasman bubble protocols. We always knew disruption to travel plans was possible, and it is important that travellers follow the instructions in order to limit any risk of further spread. We'd like to thank people for their patience and cooperation."
