Australia extends its suspension on travel for New Zealand.

Australia’s 72-hour travel ban was due to expire today, but health authorities have advised it will be expanded until Sunday instead.

The Government on Monday announced the 72 hour ban after a woman in New Zealand contracted the more infectious South African COVID-19 strain.

Yesterday, two more cases were detected, prompting the travel ban to be extended.

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was “disappointed” in Australia’s decision when speaking to the Prime Minister earlier this week.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd said the measures were a necessity to keep the infectious strain for spreading through Australia.

“It is estimated to be 50 per cent more transmissible and as such presents a ‘heightened level of risk,” he said.

“This (the travel ban) allows continuing protection of the people of Australia, while the extent of the situation in New Zealand continues to be clarified.”

The new strain has spread to 26 countries, including in people in Australia who are in mandatory hotel quarantine.

Professor Kidd said he was sorry to travellers who’d plans were “disrupted”.

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Further Australia COVID-19 news on SoPerth.com.au.