Rebecca Gibney sends son and husband Richard Bell home to New Zealand before border closures due to coronavirus – but has to stay in Australia to film Backed To The Rafters
Rebecca Gibney’s family reunion was interrupted because her son and husband rushed home to New Zealand before the border closed due to a coronavirus.
The 55-year-old actress and her husband Richard Bell celebrated their son Zachary’s 16-year-old birthday in Sydney on Saturday.
But on Sunday, Zachary and Richard returned to NZ while Rebecca stayed in Sydney to film Back to the Rafters, a spin-off from Packed to the Rafters.
“It’s vital”: Rebecca Gibney (left) sent her son Zachary (center) and husband Richard Bell (right) home to New Zealand before the borders closed due to coronavirus – but she must stay in Australia to film Backed To The Rafters
Rebecca shared an adorable photo with Richard and Zachary on Sunday, announcing that they were forced to rush to their home country.
“So my boys arrived by plane and unfortunately returned to return home in NZ in time before the borders closed,” said Rebecca.
“How sad I am to see them leave when they have just arrived – I am glad they are going home and they are there before the demands of self-isolation begin.
“I look forward to joining them soon and I will of course isolate myself when I do.”
“I hope everyone follows the guidelines because it is essential that we slow down this rubbish of a virus for the safety of our elderly and at risk people.”
“And don’t forget that we have to keep the essentials on the shelves for those who really need them.” Love and virtual hugs to all.
Serious Precautions: “How sad I am to see them leave when they have just arrived – I’m glad they are going home and will be there before the demands of self-isolation begin,” wrote Rebecca on Instagram
A few hours earlier, Rebecca posted a photo of Zachary with birthday balloons, proudly congratulating her son.
“Happy birthday to the beginning of my heart my love my son Zacman. So proud of the young man that you are, ”she captioned the message.
“Generous, funny but most important. We love you on the moon and beyond.
But later on Saturday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country would close its borders at midnight NZDT on Sunday.
All adults: the 55-year-old actress and her husband Richard Bell celebrated the birthday of their son Zachary in Sydney on Saturday
Unprecedented Times: Later Saturday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (photo) announced that the country would close its borders at midnight Sunday NZDT
“We don’t take these decisions lightly. New Zealand will have the most extensive and strictest border restrictions on anyone in the world, “said Ardern at a press conference on Saturday.
“I do not apologize. It is an unprecedented period. ”
Anyone arriving in New Zealand will also have to isolate themselves for 14 days to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
Globally, there have been over 156,745 cases of coronavirus, the number of deaths already exceeding 5,839.
In Australia, Saturday afternoon, there had been 280 cases of coronavirus, including three deaths.
Throwback! Rebecca (center) stayed in Sydney to film Back to the Rafters, a follow-up to Packed to the Rafters. In the photo: the original packed at the Rafters distribution
The current situation: a map of Australia showing the number of cases and deaths by state and territory
