On Monday, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced that the country would soon be open to travellers without the mandatory COVID-19 isolation. Here’s what we know so far. By Anushka Goel
New Zealand has joined the list of countries ending their COVID-19 curbs, by ending its mandatory one-week quarantine for vaccinated travellers, reports Hindustan Times. The nation is removing border protections that are a measure against the virus, at a time when domestic cases are spreading, the media house reports.
New Zealand eases COVID-19 curbs for travellers
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New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern shared the news of the removal of quarantine for vaccinated travellers, adding that the new rules will apply from Wednesday, March 2. However, it is important to note that these curbs have been relaxed only for returning nationals of the country, as New Zealand is still not open for tourists, writes News18. Further, not all travel curbs have been removed, as returning travellers to New Zealand still need to test negative for COVID-19 before leaving and after arriving, the media report adds.
Ardern was quoted by media as saying, “I know this will be welcome news to the members of our team overseas, eager to travel home to see loved ones as soon as possible. We can’t wait to see you.”
According to a report in The Guardian, passengers will have to undergo their COVID-19 tests on arrival and on day five or six. Those who test positive for the virus will need to self-isolate themselves, as per the quarantine rules in the country. What’s more, the unvaccinated travellers continue to stay in managed isolation.
The news of COVID-19 curbs relaxing in New Zealand comes at a time when the nation is seeing a rise in its transmission rates and the number of virus cases. Once virus-free, New Zealand is seeing a rise in cases, but according to epidemiologist Michael Baker, the influx of foreign returnees will not add to the infection, as “people arriving from overseas will not contribute to the disease burden”, reports The Guardian. Baker also said, “We have almost got to the point now where people arriving in New Zealand have a lower prevalence of Omicron infection than people who live in New Zealand,” reports the media house.
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Related: SomeGoodNews: Iceland Has Reopened For All Tourists, Whether Vaccinated Or Not!
Anushka Goel
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