Chinese tourists exposed to coronavirus allowed to leave hospital

Three Chinese tourists exposed to the coronavirus have been allowed to leave Rotorua Hospital.

The group had travelled to Australia along with an infected person before coming to New Zealand.

After arriving they were assessed by St John paramedics before being taken to Rotorua Hospital's emergency department for further assessment.

The Lakes District District Health Board says the patients were discharged on Sunday night and re-joined their tour group.

Toi Te Ora Public Health medical officer of health Dr Neil de Wet says public health services will continue to follow up and monitor the group and are currently reviewing whether any further measures are necessary.

The Government is not planning on screening passengers incoming from Australia for coronavirus despite travellers here being exposed.

However, Health Minister David is confident the right steps are being taken to prevent a coronavirus outbreak in New Zealand.

Health workers are now screening passengers into the country from China.

The Ministry of Health says advice cards in both traditional and simplified Chinese are now available at international points of entry into NZ.

"These cards provide general advice on symptoms of concern and advice ill travellers to call Healthline - and mention their travel history."