Coronavirus has now been declared a Global Emergency by the World Health Organisation. The numbers of deaths and infections is increasing exponentially.

1 infected person will infect 5. 5 to 25, 25 to 125... 

This is now very serious. 

Greg Foran (CEO Air New Zealand), you have the power to step up and protect New Zealanders from this deadly virus entering our country. 

Suspend all flights to and from China. 

Major airlines around the world have already decided to immediately suspend all flights to and from China:

British Airways
Cathay Pacific Airways
American Airlines
United
Air Canada
Air India
Lufthansa
Finnair

When the Sars outbreak hit in 2003 there were no direct flights between New Zealand and China. Then about 70,000 visitors from China came to New Zealand but this has grown to more than 400,000 a year. (NZ Herald)

Air New Zealand's Chief medical officer has assured us not to worry as their aircrafts "very sophisticated cabin air conditioning systems" will filter out viruses. Cleaning agents after flights are effective and "If a customer is unwell in flight our cabin crew are very well trained to deal with a range of medical conditions and they have medical equipment on board to be able to assist."

Appreciate the assurance, but why take the risk?!

According to WHO, "the evidence from the past outbreaks shows that effectiveness of entry screening is uncertain".

As the Coronavirus has a 14 day incubation period, any infected visitors coming into the country without any symptoms will still be able to spread the virus. 

If serious measures are not put in place, it is only a matter of time before Coronavirus reaches our shores. 

Please don't put commercial priorities above our health. 

Air New Zealand is a brand known for it's strong reputation and excellence. It's a company that New Zealanders are proud of.

Please make us proud and protect New Zealand during this Global Emergency.