New Zealand borders to remain closed, use digital platforms to host APEC summit

New Zealand borders are to remain closed despite the European Union allowing residents from the country to travel within its borders, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said on Tuesday.

NEW ZEALAND PRIME MINISTER, JACINDA ARDERN said "I do think it is dangerous to suggest that we open up our borders at this point in time. This pandemic, globally, is growing. The reason New Zealanders have the freedom we have and that we have been able to domestically open up our economy has been because we have kept our borders so tight."

Ardern also said that New Zealand will use virtual digital platforms to host the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) group summit in 2021. Ardern added that the decision to go virtual was due to the global disruption caused by COVID-19, including border restrictions and knock-on effects of postponing the gathering.