Australia and New Zealand ban non-residents from entry

Australia and New Zealand will ban entry to all non-residents from Friday in an attempt to limit the spread of coronavirus.

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said his nation’s order would come into effect from 21:00 on Friday (10:00 GMT).

New Zealand’s will begin earlier – at midnight (11:00 GMT Thursday).

The historic and far-reaching bans do not extend to citizens, permanent residents, or their families.

The two countries leaders’ said they had worked together on the regulations.

Both countries are also requiring everyone arriving – regardless of their citizenship or where they’ve come from – to self-isolate for 14 days.

Australia has recorded more than 600 cases of coronavirus and six deaths, with a sharp rise in infections this week. New Zealand has seen 28 positive tests.