In a measure to check the rise in Covid-19 cases within its borders, New Zealand has temporarily suspended the entry of travellers, including its own citizens, from India, which is witnessing a massive surge in infections.

New Zealand took the decision after it recorded 23 new Covid-19 cases on Thursday with 17 of them coming from India.

The announcement has been made by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern at a press conference.

India, which is witnessing a massive surge in Novel Coronavirus cases, on Thursday reported over 126,000 fresh infections from across the vast country of 1.3 billion people.

In 24 hours between Wednesday and Thursday mornings, the country has reported 1,26,315 new cases taking the tally to 12,928,789.

In the same period, 685 Covid-19 patients have died taking the toll further up to 1,66,892.

With lockdown and strict enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines, New Zealand had successfully controlled the Covid-19 situation last year.

The country has also not reported any community transmission of Covid-19 in the last 40 days.

(IBNS)