The Government has announced it is stepping up it's response to the threat of coronavirus.

Travel from Iran has been temporarily banned as a slew of new cases erupt across the country.

“New Zealand citizens and permanent residents will still be allowed to return home, but will be told to self-isolate for 14 days," said Health Minister David Clark on Friday. 

The ban will be with immediate effect and extend until  March 3.

It will be assessed every 48 hours in the same way the China travel restrictions are.

Travel restrictions from China have been in place since February 3. 

The Government has also announced it will not allow any exemptions for overseas students from China to enter the country despite the requests from universities for the ban to be lifted.

“The situation with COVID-19 is rapidly evolving. We are seeing concerning trends internationally, with more and more countries reporting confirmed cases," said Clark.

"We must put the health and safety of New Zealanders first."