New Zealand lifts its latest pandemic restrictions

3,249 New Zealanders, out of a population of 5 million, have died of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.

It was one of the countries with the most severe and long-standing restrictions in the world. New Zealand has adopted a so-called “zero Covid” strategy in order to eradicate the epidemic in the archipelago.

New Zealand’s government on Tuesday announced the lifting of all remaining measures related to combating Covid-19, more than three years after they were first implemented. Reuters reports.

It is no longer necessary to wear a mask in healthcare settings or to self-isolate for seven days after contracting the virus, Health Minister Aisha Verral said in a statement.

Lifting measures in 2022

“The number of cases will continue to fluctuate, but we haven’t seen the dramatic spikes that characterized Covid-19 rates last year. This, combined with the population’s immunity levels, means we (are) able to safely raise the remaining requirements,” the minister said.

However, the latter clarified that people who are “sick or who have tested positive” have been advised to stay home for five days.

Most restrictions, including a strict travel ban, were lifted last year as vaccination rates reached high levels and hospitals across the country managed to get through Australia’s winter without being overwhelmed.

3,249 deaths from Covid-19

The announcement comes two months before a controversial election. The prolonged restrictions led to large protests a few months ago, culminating in violent clashes outside the New Zealand Parliament.

For his part, Prime Minister Chris Hipkins said the formal end to restrictions was an “important step”. “I think New Zealanders can be very proud of what we’ve achieved together,” he told a news conference.

“We stayed at home, made sacrifices, got vaccinated, and there is no doubt that we saved lives,” he added.

He also said that 3,249 New Zealanders, out of a population of 5 million, have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic.