Covid-19: Mask, Vaccine Card … New Zealand lifts most of its restrictions

Several months after the emergence of many countries, especially European ones, New Zealand, in turn, is reducing its footing in the face of Covid-19. Since this Tuesday, the mask is no longer mandatory in enclosed spaces (except in hospitals and institutions for the elderly) and a vaccination permit is no longer required for certain professions (unless the employer decides otherwise).

These decisions were made on the advice of the health authorities and due to the favorable epidemiological situation, which was marked by a decrease in the number of cases and hospitalizations for Covid. It contrasts with New Zealand’s initial strategy. During the pandemic’s first year, Occitanie was one of the toughest in the world. The goal was to stem any spread of the virus through closures, flight suspensions and strict measures. But this hard line was gradually relaxed as of the end of summer 2021, with the arrival of the more rapidly moving variables (delta then omicron).

‘We are taking back control’

“Finally, instead of feeling like Covid dictates what happens to us, our lives and our future, we are taking back control,” New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said Monday at a press conference. “For the first time in two years, we can approach summer with the certainty that New Zealanders and businesses desperately need, which will help stimulate economic activity, which is essential to our economic recovery,” she adds.