Ok, so this is getting a little worrying.
The World Health Organisation has declared it a pandemic, countries are locking down cities - or at least cancelling large portions of their usual activities - people are staying home and the more unfortunate, are losing their jobs as businesses lay off staff.
The quote; 'flatten the curve' is gaining traction. This refers to stalling the spread of the disease so that already stretched health services may not be overwhelmed and people die due to lack of medical support.
Meanwhile the city I live in is continuing with life unaffected.
It's a little odd. However there's only been reported 2 cases in the region and so people aren't panicking and there's still toilet paper on the shelves.
Perhaps the reason for this is New Zealand is of course, naturally isolated by distance, but it's also setting itself up to become a bit of a quiet cul-de-sac internationally.
The government has ordered that any travellers to NZ must self isolate for two weeks on arrival. To this end, if travellers arrive without clear self-isolation plans, they may be sent back. Indeed there has been a report of at least one probable deportation so far. Health authorities apparently made a follow up visit to an overseas visitor staying at a local backpackers and police arrived soon after. A rather distraught female backpacker was taken into custody.
I feel for the woman in question and this is harsh, but I suspect this is a measure supported by most New Zealanders.
We want tourists to come, we want backpackers to come, but really when this all blows over. At present if you come here, you should expect to spend two weeks in a motel room before you'll be let out into the country you've traveled so far to see. And to be honest, you may find some NZ'ers won't be as friendly in your travels as they normally would be - particularly if they suspect you're trying to dodge regulations.
Best to postpone your trip. Or if you are determined to come here, be aware of the regulations and be prepared to comply.
<edit> And not long after writing the above, New Zealand has closed its borders to everyone but citizens and residents in an attempt to stop the spread of coronavirus.
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