New Zealand’s Covid-19 traffic light system has ended. As of 13 September, it is no longer necessary to wear a mask in public, except in healthcare and aged care environments (such as hospitals, pharmacies and residential facilities for the elderly).
The government’s vaccine mandates will also end on 26 September.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed that the changes also include:
- People who test positive for Covid-19 must still isolate for seven days, but household contacts no longer need to isolate if they take a RAT test every day.
- Vaccine mandates will be removed for incoming travellers.
- All New Zealanders over age 65, and Māori over age 50, will get automatic access to Covid-19 antiviral drugs if they test positive for Covid-19.
Ardern said that people may still be asked to wear a mask in some places, but it would be at the discretion of each location, rather than a government requirement. Vaccination requirements would also be at the discretion of employers.
She announced that 40,000 courses of Covid-19 antiviral medication had been purchased. These will be freely available to older New Zealanders. She said that antiviral drugs are most effective in the early stages of contracting the virus.
Ardern also acknowledged that the drop of restrictions could cause concern to disabled and immuno-compromised people.
“I want to reassure those Kiwis that we are making these changes because risks are lower, in fact, cases are more than 10 times lower than what they were earlier in the year and we now have layers of protections in place.
“I know there will be those concerned by the changes made today. I can assure you that we would not make them if we did not believe we were ready,” she said.
“The most recent health advice now tells us that with the lowest cases and hospitalisations since February, our population well vaccinated, and expanded access to anti-viral medicines, New Zealand is in a position to move forward.”
