- New Zealand to end stringent COVID-19 regulations by midnight.
- Increased vaccination rates, and reduced hospital overburdening; removal was decided two months before the election.
- New Zealanders celebrate accomplishments, including staying home, sacrificing, and immunization.
The government of New Zealand will eliminate all remaining COVID-19 obligations as of Tuesday at midnight, ending some of the most stringent COVID-19 pandemic regulations ever implemented.
Ayesha Verrall, the minister of health, announced in a statement on Monday that starting early Tuesday, patients won’t need to wear face masks in medical facilities or remain in isolation for seven days after getting the virus.
The final Covid limitations
Due to the population’s immunity levels and the absence of any abrupt peaks in COVID-19 rates from the prior year, Cabinet and Verrall can safely remove the remaining COVID-19 criteria.
The majority of the limitations were lifted last year as vaccination rates rose and the nation’s hospitals survived the winter without being overburdened. Just two months before a hotly contested election, the requirement removal was decided.
While the New Zealand government’s response to the pandemic was praised internationally for reducing infection and mortality rates, it drew criticism at home for the prolonged lockdowns, school closings, and closed borders.
The official lifting of restrictions, according to Prime Minister Chris Hipkins, was a “significant milestone.”
New Zealanders should be proud of their accomplishments, including saving lives by staying home, making sacrifices, and being immunized. The Minister of Health still advises people to stay home for five days if ill or positive, despite the requirement being no longer required.
