New Zealand ends all restrictions imposed to deal with the coronavirus pandemic

Sep. 12 () –

The New Zealand government announced on Monday that all restrictions imposed to deal with the coronavirus pandemic will be lifted more than two years after a first case of COVID-19 was reported in the country.

The alert system introduced on March 21, 2020 due to the health crisis and known as the Protection Framework against COVID-19 will be suspended at 11:59 p.m. this Monday, so the population will no longer have to use the masks to enter supermarkets, stores, buses or planes, among others.

Likewise, the vaccination requirements against the virus will also be withdrawn on September 26, according to information from the newspaper ‘The New Zealand Herald’.

For the Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern, the situation represents a “turning point” in the response given by the country and a key moment to “turn the page” in the management of the pandemic. “The latest health indications point to fewer hospitalizations since February, with a well vaccinated population and increased access to antiviral drugs. New Zealand is in a position to move forward,” she said.

The health authorities have indicated that in the last day there have been 1,149 new cases, six deaths and 225 hospitalizations, of which three are in intensive care units.

As of this Tuesday, the masks will only be necessary to access some health facilities, such as hospitals, pharmacies and nursing homes. “Please respect those who still want to wear it as a form of protection,” Ardern said.