"Now is the time for maximum proactivity. There is still time to upgrade the weaker aspects of the response and to maximise the chance of protecting the population," they wrote.

The researchers said the Government's response so far is lacking in several areas and needs to be reviewed to ensure people are kept safe.

They also criticised New Zealand's 14-day "self-isolation" requirement for travellers returning from coronavirus-affected areas, saying quarantine supervision "may need to be markedly increased".

"The nature of this quarantine...needs urgent review, monitoring and evaluation to ensure it is adequate to minimise the risk of disease transmission."