Morning Report

The Reserve Bank has cut its benchmark interest rate, to support the economy against the impact of the Covid-19 virus. The central bank cut its official cash rate to 0.25 percent from one percent.

Governor Adrian Orr says the cut is necessary to support businesses and employment.

The last time the Reserve Bank made such a big cut was in March 2011 after the Canterbury earthquake.

Last week, the bank outlined a range of unconventional monetary policy tools such as negative interest rates, special loans to banks, and buying bonds to put money into the economy.

Cameron Bagrie is an independent economist.

He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Wellington Phoenix will fly to Sydney tomorrow where they'll base hemslves for possibly the rest of the A-League season.

Auckland University microbiologist Dr Siouxsie Wiles is imploring everyone to work together to stop the spread of Covid-19.

New Zealand now has eight confirmed cases of the coronavirus.

Everyone who flies into New Zealand from overseas will have to self isolate for two weeks.

The only exceptions are for flights from the Pacific Islands.

Dr Siouxsie Wiles applauds these new measures, but says the onus remains on us.

She speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The Council of Trade Unions wants increased support for workers hit by the coronavirus and that would include income support for people who are casual or contractors.

The government is set to announce its economic response to Covid-19's impact tomorrow.

Richard Wagstaff is the President of the Council of Trade Unions.

Businesses in Akaroa are worried they will find it hard to survive the abrupt end to the cruise ship season.

The government is stopping any new cruise ships from visiting New Zealand until the end of June.

There were seven cruise ships in New Zealand on Sunday when the ban came into force.

One was in Akaroa, one in the Bay of Islands, two each in Dunedin and Napier, and one in Picton.

Tourists the cruise ship already anchored in Akaroa Harbour weren't allowed off as three passengers are being tested for Covid-19.

RNZ reporter Anan Zaki went to Akaroa to see how the town is responding to the Covid-19 situation.

The Air Line Pilots's Association expects flight networks will be substantially reduced and further disruption is likely as tough new border rules to tackle the spread of Covid-19 are brought in.

Yesterday there was a rush as New Zealanders hurried to get home before the restrictions came into force.

Captain Andrew Ridling is the president of the New Zealand Air Line Pilots' Association.

He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

Tough new travel restrictions have been put into place to stop the spread of Covid-19.

Anyone arriving into New Zealand from overseas - excluding the pacific islands - will be required to go into two weeks of self-isolation, cruise ships are banned and Customs has closed its e-gate system, forcing travellers to get their passports checked manually.

RNZ Health Correspondent Rowan Quinn has more details about new border measures.

From today every traveller who lands in New Zealand is being met by a health official at the airport with instructions on how to manage two weeks in isolation.

Customs has also closed its e-gates and every passenger must have their passport checked by a customs officers.

The tougher travel restrictions came into force at 1 o'clock this morning to curb the spread of coronavirus.

RNZ reporter Matthew Theunissen is at Auckland Airport.

He speaks to Susie Ferguson.

The tourism industry is warning tens of thousands of jobs could be on the line over Covid-19.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa's chief executive Chris Roberts speaks to Philippa Tolley.

Every traveller who lands in New Zealand from today onward is being met by a health official at the airport with instructions on how to manage two weeks in isolation.

Customs has also closed its e-gates and every passenger must have their passport checked by a customs officers.

Tougher travel restrictions came into force at 1am on Monday to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The tourism industry is expecting major effects from the restrictions and other parts of the country are feeling the squeeze due to the outbreak too,

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is announcing a stimulus package on Tuesday, and told Susie Ferguson the final figures are yet to be worked out.

"It will be a multi-billion dollar spend. I haven't put a figure on it Susie, but when I use the word significant I'm also referring to the fact that this is an incredibly important package."