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ESPN staff
The New Zealand Government has opted to impose a 14-day self-isolation period for people entering the country, effectively bringing a halt to a number of sporting competitions in the process.
The new border restriction, which has been enforced as a result of the growing coronavirus pandemic, will come into force from midnight Sunday [NZT].
It means the remaining two games of the ODI series between Australia and New Zealand will not be played, allowing the Black Caps squad to return to New Zealand before the restriction begins.
It has also cast huge doubt over the future of the Super Rugby season given the international travel involved.
The Brumbies were due to play the Blues in Auckland next week while the Highlanders are at this stage scheduled to play the Jaguares in Buenos Aires at midday [NZT] tomorrow.
The Crusaders, meanwhile, will be able to return to New Zealand before the midnight cut-off on Sunday after they face the Sunwolves in Brisbane on Saturday afternoon.
The NRL season will also be affected with the Warriors due to face the Raiders at Eden Park next Saturday as part of what was going to be an historic cross-code double-header with the Blues-Brumbies Super Rugby clash.
The restrictions were announced after a sixth case of the coronavirus was confirmed in Auckland.
A man in his 60s, who had recently returned from the U.S., tested positive for the illness on Friday night.
New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the travel restrictions would be reviewed in 16 days.
“We have significant capacity for testing, Ardern said.
“It is there and available.”
Research has shown the coronavirus spreads mainly through coughs and sneezes, though it can also be transferred from surfaces. The best way to prevent infection is with frequent hand-washing, regularly cleaning surfaces and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. There is no vaccine currently available for coronavirus, though researchers are working on one and hope to begin testing soon.
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