New Zealand withdraws most COVID restrictions as cases decline

New Zealand reportedly removed most of its remaining COVID-19 restrictions with the government signaling a return to the pre-pandemic era.

As reported, people will not have to wear masks in stores, buses, planes, and supermarkets. The remaining mandate on vaccination of health care workers will end as well. Additionally, it is not mandatory for tourists visiting the island country to be vaccinated anymore.

According to the government, only two restrictions remain; those who test positive should be isolated for seven days, and one needs to wear a mask while visiting care homes and healthcare facilities.

The changes are a response to the waning outbreak of omicron variant along with the ending of Southern Hemisphere winter. Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, has stated that it is the right time when the people should take back control of their lives. She also stated that these steps will drive forward the business activity in the country, which is vital for its economic recovery. These steps have been positively responded to by the business leaders of the country.

However, despite the end of the restrictions, stores and individual workplaces can impose their own rule. But most people expect that after the restrictions are lifted, usage of masks will decrease. 

Kirk Hope, Chief Executive, BusinessNZ applauded the government’s decision and added that since business organizations are independent in nature, they can decide the best for themselves to minimize the spread of the virus.

By completely closing its borders and carefully handling the contact zones, New Zealand was able to enjoy initial success against the pandemic. But later, with the emergence of more transmissible variants, it realized that it is impossible to stamp out the pandemic by restricting borders and hence, changed its approach.

By March, the country with 5 million inhabitants reported only 65 deaths. With the onset of omicron, the number steadily rose to 2,000, but the overall statistics are still far less when compared with the death figures of other nations.

https://www.financialexpress.com/lifestyle/health/new-zealand-removes-most-remaining-covid-restrictions-as-cases-wane/2663753/